Starred Review ALA Booklist (Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Starred Review This brilliantly designed abecedary introduces kiddos to four different systems of nautical communication gnal flag, Morse code, semaphore, and phonetic alphabet ong with a handful of information about boats and sea travel. In each appealingly blocky, primary-colored illustration, Gillingham features a distinctive boat flying a particular signal flag, a crystal clear description of what that flag indicates, and on the facing page, the semaphore, Morse, and phonetic codes (including variations) for that letter, as well as some facts about the featured vessel. Gillingham offers explanations for the importance of each flag r instance, the Sierra flag, which signals "operating astern propulsion," is important because "it's difficult to see when a boat is operating astern propulsion, since it doesn't make a wave or tracks in the water" d nods to ways contemporary nautical practices have outmoded some signal flags, like Tango, indicating "I am engaged in pair trawling," which is rarely used since that fishing method now "makes some people very angry because of the amount of ocean life that it destroys or catches by mistake." Perhaps the best part is this: nestled between each letter's two-page spread is a textured paper version of the flag itself. The information is engaging enough on its own, but Gillingham's snazzy artwork and smart layout propel it to captivating heights. Kids who love secret codes or all things nautical will be elated.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Gr 2-6 Nautical codes, flags, and signals presented with examples of the boats and ships that might use them make this a unique and engaging reference for lower and upper elementary students. Letter by letter, A to Z, each nautical signal flag is listed with its name, its current meaning, and a short description of a likely situation for its use. Each explanation repeats the use of the phonetic alphabet word (e.g., DELTA ) several times and is followed by a full-page rendering of the flag. (The A and B flags have the appropriate V-shaped cutout on the right.) The page immediately after that includes, again, the phonetic alphabet word, the Morse code sound and light signal, semaphore positions (sketched with a sailor with flags), and a short description of a boat or ship that might make use of the signal. The bold colors of the signal flags are carried throughout the volume, making for a lively design. The repetition of the phonetic alphabet word supports learning, and the images of the boats and shipsfrom diving boats and private yachts to submarines, tankers, and car carriersadd informational appeal. VERDICT More substantial than Chris L. Demarest's Alpha, Bravo, Charlie , this selection stresses civilian rather than military uses and is appropriate for slightly older readers. Highly recommended for school and public libraries. Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gillingam (How to Mend a Heart) delivers a handsomely designed alpha-to-zulu overview of nautical codes, focusing on signal flags and the NATO phonetic alphabet while also covering Morse code and semaphore. Weathered, silkscreenlike images of various vessels appear at left, joined by explanations of the flags- meanings (-The tango is a complicated dance between two people. The TANGO flag is used to indicated a complicated movement that two ships make together-). Right-hand pages feature a pronunciation guide, a young sailor demonstrating each semaphore position, the Morse code translation, and details about the ships. In a lovely addition, the flags themselves are bound between the facing pages, printed on paper with a linen-y texture. It-s a fascinating and accessible tour of nautical communication past and present. Ages 5-7. Agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency. (May)