By the Great Hornspoon! - by Sid Fleischman Inc (Paperback)

About the Book

The year is 1849. Young Jack Flagg sets out to recoup his Aunt Arabella's fortune on a ship bound from Boston to the California gold fields. Thus begin the wild, swashbuckling adventures of a determined 12-year-old and his intrepid butler. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

For fans of I Survived and Dear America, this rollicking adventure about the California Gold Rush is a classic tale from the award-winning author of The Whipping Boy, with illustrations from beloved children's artist Brett Helquist (A Series of Unfortunate Events).

Jack's aunt is in trouble. Even after she sells her beloved mansion, she still doesn't have enough money to pay off all her debts or, more importantly, to take care of twelve-year-old Jack and his two sisters. Luckily Jack has a plan!

He's going to strike gold. Setting out from Boston with his stuffy but trusty butler, Praiseworthy, the two of them stow away on a ship bound for California--and the Gold Rush. Along the way they'll meet sailors, miners, outlaws, and wild animals. But will it all be worth it when they strike it rich?

Full of action, danger, and intrigue, this historic adventure paints a vivid picture of the old west, and continues to entertain children of each new generation.

Perfect for...
★ Adventurers!
★ Cowboy enthusiasts
★ Classroom reads
★ Budding history lovers
★ Californians

Review Quotes

This adventure tale, set in the Gold Rush days, is "another uncommonly original...delectable story, told, and illustrated with zest and gusto to the very last page."--The Horn Book

About the Author

Sid Fleischman grew up in California during the Great Depression. Although he originally wanted to be a magician, he instead became a writer, and wrote over sixty titles for children, including the By the Great Horn Spoon!, Here Comes McBroom, and Newbery Award Winner The Whipping Boy, as well as books for adults, screenplays, and a few books about magic. He passed away in 2010.

Brett Helquist is the artist behind the iconic covers and illustrations of the New York Times bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. He has also illustrated well-loved children's books by Neil Gaiman, Alan Gratz, and Blue Balliett, among others. Brett majored in illustration at Brigham Young University and now lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York.