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Mr. Small #2
The Little Sailboat
Mr. Small is a sailor in this maritime adventure! Captain Small and his dog Tinker sail and fish together. When a storm comes, Captain Small heads for the safety of the shore. A comforting, nostalgic story full of information about sailing.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1937
About the author
Lois Lenski
192 books197 followersLois Lenore Lenski Covey was an influential American author and illustrator whose work reshaped twentieth-century children’s literature through its combination of artistic skill, documentary realism, and deep empathy for childhood experience. Beginning her publishing career in the late 1920s, she went on to write and illustrate nearly one hundred books, ranging from picture books and historical novels to regional fiction, poetry, songbooks, and literary essays. She is best known for the Mr. Small picture book series, her meticulously researched historical novels, and her groundbreaking Regional books, which portrayed the everyday lives of children across diverse American communities.
Born in Ohio and trained formally as both an educator and an artist, Lenski studied at Ohio State University, the Art Students League of New York, and the Westminster School of Art in London. Although she initially aspired to be a painter, exhibiting work in New York galleries, she gradually turned to illustration and then to writing, encouraged by pioneering children’s editor Helen Dean Fish. Her early books drew heavily on her Midwestern childhood, while later works reflected extensive travel, field research, and close observation of family and community life.
Lenski achieved major critical recognition with her historical novels Phebe Fairchild: Her Book and Indian Captive, and with her Regional novel Strawberry Girl, which won the Newbery Medal. These works were notable for their commitment to authenticity, incorporating dialect, material culture, and social realities often avoided in children’s books of the era. She believed that literature for young readers should neither sentimentalize nor sanitize life, but instead foster understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
Alongside her own writing, Lenski illustrated works by other major authors, including Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could and the early volumes of Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series. Her influence extended beyond publishing through lectures, teaching, and advocacy. In 1967 she established the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, dedicated to providing books to children facing social and economic disadvantage.
In her later years, Lenski continued writing while living in Florida, publishing her autobiography Journey into Childhood shortly before her death. Her legacy endures through her books, her educational philosophy, and ongoing efforts to expand access to literature for children.
Born in Ohio and trained formally as both an educator and an artist, Lenski studied at Ohio State University, the Art Students League of New York, and the Westminster School of Art in London. Although she initially aspired to be a painter, exhibiting work in New York galleries, she gradually turned to illustration and then to writing, encouraged by pioneering children’s editor Helen Dean Fish. Her early books drew heavily on her Midwestern childhood, while later works reflected extensive travel, field research, and close observation of family and community life.
Lenski achieved major critical recognition with her historical novels Phebe Fairchild: Her Book and Indian Captive, and with her Regional novel Strawberry Girl, which won the Newbery Medal. These works were notable for their commitment to authenticity, incorporating dialect, material culture, and social realities often avoided in children’s books of the era. She believed that literature for young readers should neither sentimentalize nor sanitize life, but instead foster understanding, tolerance, and empathy.
Alongside her own writing, Lenski illustrated works by other major authors, including Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could and the early volumes of Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series. Her influence extended beyond publishing through lectures, teaching, and advocacy. In 1967 she established the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, dedicated to providing books to children facing social and economic disadvantage.
In her later years, Lenski continued writing while living in Florida, publishing her autobiography Journey into Childhood shortly before her death. Her legacy endures through her books, her educational philosophy, and ongoing efforts to expand access to literature for children.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 4, 2018
Cute little board book about sailing for the littles.
June 14, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
https://theboatyacht.com/sessa-dorado...
https://numberoneboats.com/sessa-dora...
January 30, 2020
First sentence: Captain Small has a sailboat. He keeps it anchored offshore.
Premise/plot: The Little Sailboat stars Captain Small; it was originally published in 1937. It gives readers a day in the life of Captain Small. He rows in a rowboat (twice) and sails in a sailboat. He fishes, naps, swims, and eats lunch. The text is super simple. The book packs a lot of information about boating.
My thoughts: I found this one to be a dull read. Tinker the dog is by far the most interesting part of the book. The illustrations are cute if you enjoy vintage Illustrations.
Text:2/5
Illustrations:3/5
Total:5/10
Premise/plot: The Little Sailboat stars Captain Small; it was originally published in 1937. It gives readers a day in the life of Captain Small. He rows in a rowboat (twice) and sails in a sailboat. He fishes, naps, swims, and eats lunch. The text is super simple. The book packs a lot of information about boating.
My thoughts: I found this one to be a dull read. Tinker the dog is by far the most interesting part of the book. The illustrations are cute if you enjoy vintage Illustrations.
Text:2/5
Illustrations:3/5
Total:5/10
May 5, 2023
In this sailing adventure, the reader learns a lot about sailing. How it is done, plus language like "hoist the sail."
Pictures make the learning seem easy, simple pictures that feel totally complete.
It also helps that the name of the accomplished sailor is Mr. Small. He looks pretty much like a nine-year-old boy, at least to me.
Reading this story, a child may come to ideas like, "I can do this."
It's so important for growing up: Learning about how different life skills work, then thinking and feeling, "I can do this."
Therefore, this book is more powerful than it appears. FIVE BIG STARS!
Pictures make the learning seem easy, simple pictures that feel totally complete.
It also helps that the name of the accomplished sailor is Mr. Small. He looks pretty much like a nine-year-old boy, at least to me.
Reading this story, a child may come to ideas like, "I can do this."
It's so important for growing up: Learning about how different life skills work, then thinking and feeling, "I can do this."
Therefore, this book is more powerful than it appears. FIVE BIG STARS!
January 3, 2021
Mr. Small is a sailor in this maritime adventure! Captain Small and his dog Tinker sail and fish together. When a storm comes, Captain Small heads for the safety of the shore. A comforting, nostalgic story full of information about sailing.
June 20, 2017
Great preschool-kindergarten book. Teaches sailing vocabulary throughout the cute story.
September 7, 2017
My boys love all the Mr. Small books by Lois Lenski. Found this recommendation on AmblesideOnline.org.
September 11, 2017
This book is about a boat and the captain that owns the boat. They go fishing and the captain falls in the water
January 26, 2018
very sweet!
June 5, 2018
Charming! This book was surprisingly informative AND a nice little story. I definitely learned a bit about sailing from it, so cheers to that!
January 1, 2026
3.5 stars.
August 20, 2007
This is the first book I was required to read in kindergarten.
It all boiled down to a fierce competition between myself and Nicole Thompson. We were the smartest kids in kindergarten (ECC 90, Buffalo, Ny), and we knew it. Though I secretly feared her intelligence, I was able to overcome the obstacle of having to read on my own and at a pace that surpassed my peers. Victory was mine.
I was handsomely rewarded with an evening gala at the Radisson hotel in downtown Buffalo, Ny. Receiving accolades from my teacher, whose name I don't recall, a nice dinner, and some sort of certificate. I was dressed in my best threads and clip-on tie.
The following day I was smeared with adoration from my fellow classmates. A girl I had a crush on, Abigail, kissed me on the cheek, while Nicole kissed my opposite cheek, simultaneously.
King for a day.
It all boiled down to a fierce competition between myself and Nicole Thompson. We were the smartest kids in kindergarten (ECC 90, Buffalo, Ny), and we knew it. Though I secretly feared her intelligence, I was able to overcome the obstacle of having to read on my own and at a pace that surpassed my peers. Victory was mine.
I was handsomely rewarded with an evening gala at the Radisson hotel in downtown Buffalo, Ny. Receiving accolades from my teacher, whose name I don't recall, a nice dinner, and some sort of certificate. I was dressed in my best threads and clip-on tie.
The following day I was smeared with adoration from my fellow classmates. A girl I had a crush on, Abigail, kissed me on the cheek, while Nicole kissed my opposite cheek, simultaneously.
King for a day.
June 5, 2012
Another sweet, simple book from Lois Lenski. This one was a little educational for me as I am not much of a sailor.
Read
January 22, 2013This is an awesome kids book - so cute, and teaches a little something about sailing at the same time.
I love Captain Small.
I love Captain Small.
August 13, 2013
Every small child needs to read about a day of sailing...it's just one of those important life experiences. Then, when they get older, they need to learn how to sail and try it out!
December 1, 2014
Sweet as always.
September 2, 2022
A wonderful little book about sailing. Who knew that Ohio was such a wonderful place?!
August 20, 2007
Really great book.
Simple, lovely.
My favorite kind!
Simple, lovely.
My favorite kind!
July 6, 2010
Cute little story that uses real sailing terms!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews