TRIM (Adventures of Trim) children's historical fiction series by Deborah Hopkinson [Review & Giveaway]

 Chapter books for early readers

This delightful early reader series by acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson is inspired by the true story of Trim, often called the most famous ship’s cat in history. Owned by British explorer Matthew Flinders, Trim traveled on the HMS Investigator on the first expedition to circumnavigate Australia (1801–1803).

Trim Sets Sail  (Adventures of Trim #1) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:   As a young reader's book this is excellent! I found the story engaging and felt it would be very appealing to young readers. As a introduction to "chapter books," this allows for breaks in the story line, mental outlining of the story, and a non-tiring way for reluctant readers to read the entire book by breaking it into sections.

The young cat's personality is captured well by the story line as well as the illustrations. As an introduction to historical fiction this sets the stage well to let children know that the past is fun to learn about. 

I highly recommend.

About the book: One small kitten learns about the great big world as he sets sail with his fellow shipmates, animal and human, in this historical fiction intermediate reader.

When Trim trips over a napping dog, little does he know that soon he’ll set sail and begin learning how to be a ship’s cat. Among his first lessons: the parts of the ship (the front is called the bow, like “bow wow”), the dynamics among his new colleagues (Jack the ship’s parrot is not so easy to befriend), and basic skills like climbing (up is easier than down) and swimming. With the assistance of Captain Flinders, Penny the ship’s dog, and Will the ship’s artist, Trim learns new skills, tests his limits and abilities, and finds a way to contribute to life onboard.

Trim Helps Out (Adventures of Trim #2)  by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:  In Trim Helps Out, book #2 in the series, Trim is learning how to be a ship's cat and what he needs to do. One is to patrol the hold watching for rats. Sadly he doesn't know what a rat is and actually befriends one. The adventure actually has Trim saving his friend Penny from a deadly scorpion bite.  Another good early chapter book "read" for intermediate readers with enough excitement and vocabulary to capture their interest. The illustrations are great!

I highly recommend.

About the book: Trim is eager to do a good job on his first day as ship’s cat—but what is his job? All around him, members of the crew are busy with their responsibilities—too busy to notice a small kitten looking for an opportunity to contribute. Jack the parrot directs Trim to the hold, to patrol for rats. But Jack neglects to tell Trim exactly what a rat is. Surely Princess Bea, the new friend he meets below deck, isn’t a rat. She doesn’t resemble the creepy, scary-looking creature that Jack warned Trim about and she’s happy to have an assistant to fetch her biscuits from the galley.

Trim Saves the Day (Adventures of Trim #3) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:  In this third book in the Trim series, the cat learns about everyone pitching in to help aboard ship with various tasks and then especially when a major event occurs. Trim actually discovers a really big problem and helps to save the day by alerting shipmates about the problem.

An early chapter book for the intermediate reader (maybe ages 5 to 8) that is fun to read and filled with cute illustrations that capture the main character, Trim's, daily adventures and mishaps.

I recommend. 

About the book:  Trim likes being part of the ship’s crew. The captain says that everyone has a jobs they do alone and other times they help each other out. And if there’s a big problem, then it’s all hands on deck.

But what is Trim’s job? He really wants to help, but everyone is very busy. Penny is helping the sailors mop the deck, so Trim decides to mop too. Swish! Swish! SWISH! Trim gets water everywhere. Jack is helping the captain steer the ship, so Trim thinks he can steer too. Whee! Whee! WHEE! But there’s not enough room on the wheel. Doesn’t anyone have a job for a kitten who really wants to help?

Trim Sails the Storm (Adventures of Trim #4) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell 

My thoughts: Trim faces a major sailor's test - storm at sea! He learns many things as he, along with other shipboard mates, prepare to ride out the storm. 

The things Trim learns are good lessons to see everyone through the many storms we face. Major storms and small storms. They are ways to cope with the storm and can be applied to our emotional and mental state of mind as well as when we face the hurricanes and tornados we see from weather systems.

I love the illustrations that capture Trim's riding out the storm.

I recommend.

About the book: Secret word: kitty Trim has learned a lot about life at sea. He understands the daily routines and the responsibilities of each crew member, and he knows many of the ways to help. But one day he ventures outside and experiences something new and scary: a storm is brewing. As the wind whips his whiskers and the sky grows dark, Trim’s heart beats like a drum. All his friends are doing new things: preparing the sails, closing any openings on deck, and securing loose items. Penny and Jack explain each step to Trim and he is comforted to learn all the ways to prepare for a storm. And then he hears a strange noise coming from the lifeboats. There he finds Wisdom, a young albatross who is also experiencing her first storm. Can these two small creatures help each other ride out a storm and make a frightening experience a little less scary?

GIVEAWAY

 Set of 4 "Trim" books

Begins August 13

Ends September 12 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  I received complimentary copies of these 4 books from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided and shipped or mailed directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.