Minnow on the Say

Philippa Pearce (author)

Puffin Books, UK: 1955; 252pp

ISBN: 0140310223

Genre: adventure

Issue: friendship

This gentle adventure focuses on the fortunes (or lack therof) of Adam Codling and his aunt, who live in a large, neglected house on a rambling estate.

Adam's canoe breaks loose from its mooring and is found by David, a local lad. After initial hostilities, the boys team up to enjoy many boating adventures. When it becomes apparent that Adam and his aunt may have to sell their beloved house, the boys decide that the only possible solution is to find the Codling's lost treasure. Following the clues left behind by Adam's ancestors, they hunt up and down the river, exploring every possible way in which the clues could be interpreted.

Their love of the Minnow, Adam's canoe, and the frustrating search forges a strong friendship between the boys, making it even more vital that they succeed before Adam and his family is forced to move out of their home.

Another delightful story by the author of Tom's Midnight Garden.