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Captain's Log: Snowbound
A perfect choice for kids (and parents!) trapped inside on a snow day.When his Ernest Shackleton report is ironically quashed because of a snowstorm, a school cancellation-celebrating elementary schooler chronicles his adventures at home with hilarious log entries and read-aloud-friendly results.The Captain's (our young protagonist) belongings start to go missing while homebound due to weather, and humorous attacks and pell-mell mutiny follow. After a series of snow day events, the crew (the Captain's parents), the first mate (his trusty dog), and the scallywag (also known as the younger sibling) are freed from their snowbound home, and the Captain returns to school.Kids will laugh at the Captain's battle with his siblings, and parents will relate to the antics that ensue when the weather prevents students from heading to class and upsets daily routines and schedules.*"Entertaining, informative--utterly delightful"--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2018
About the author
Erin Dionne
24 books337 followersI write books for tweens, teens, and anyone who survived junior high.
Please note: I have changed my review policy. I'll no longer be using the star rating system--I'm an author, not a reviewer or editor, and I'd rather support other authors by not ranking their books. I write honest (brief) reviews for each book I read, so please look to those to find out what I loved.
Please note: I have changed my review policy. I'll no longer be using the star rating system--I'm an author, not a reviewer or editor, and I'd rather support other authors by not ranking their books. I write honest (brief) reviews for each book I read, so please look to those to find out what I loved.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 19, 2018
Right now it's winter time... the perfect read for your young adventuring types. The title pretty much tells you what the story will be about... or does it? Throw in a little Ernest Shackleton and now you've got the picture.
The author's note at the end about the Shackleton expedition were really great. This book is a great jumping off point to get any aged reader interested in learning more about the historic event, plus there is a glossary of terms used in the book, like conny onny.
The author's note at the end about the Shackleton expedition were really great. This book is a great jumping off point to get any aged reader interested in learning more about the historic event, plus there is a glossary of terms used in the book, like conny onny.
November 21, 2018
Dropping 1/2 a star because it bugged me that we were NEVER given an answer about what happened to his muffler or any of the other missing items. Bother. I really don't like loose threads.
July 6, 2023
Perfect book for a snow day. It’s so cute.
November 23, 2019
This book is amazing in so many ways! Its full of adventure, creativity, fun, comedy, AND factual information. It's adorable for really young kids and phenomenal for older ones because the pictures are so funny and sweet!
April 20, 2018
Sly Humor
The setup here is very clever. A snow day cancels our hero's school presentation on Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic adventures. Full of thoughts about Shackleton, his crew, and the trials and perils of being ice bound, our hero assumes the identity of an arctic explorer and keeps a log of events at his home. The house becomes a ship, the family dog becomes first mate, cookies are hardtack, and so on.
This is all very clever and is remarkably well complemented by drawings that fall midway between what's really happening and how it looks in our kid-captain's imagination. Having the story in log book form, giving everyday items new nautical names, and styling events at home as though they were snowbound Shackleton crew adventures, sells the premise and invites a kid reader to join in the imaginative fun.
The upshot is that, while this is a short picture book, it packs a lot in and feels like a very re-readable picture book.
For what it's worth, at the end of the book there is a nice summary of the real Shackleton adventure. I could see explaining that to a kid before diving in to the book so that they get the full effect of the jokes. And be that as it may, the story is fun enough just as a silly snowday adventure.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
The setup here is very clever. A snow day cancels our hero's school presentation on Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic adventures. Full of thoughts about Shackleton, his crew, and the trials and perils of being ice bound, our hero assumes the identity of an arctic explorer and keeps a log of events at his home. The house becomes a ship, the family dog becomes first mate, cookies are hardtack, and so on.
This is all very clever and is remarkably well complemented by drawings that fall midway between what's really happening and how it looks in our kid-captain's imagination. Having the story in log book form, giving everyday items new nautical names, and styling events at home as though they were snowbound Shackleton crew adventures, sells the premise and invites a kid reader to join in the imaginative fun.
The upshot is that, while this is a short picture book, it packs a lot in and feels like a very re-readable picture book.
For what it's worth, at the end of the book there is a nice summary of the real Shackleton adventure. I could see explaining that to a kid before diving in to the book so that they get the full effect of the jokes. And be that as it may, the story is fun enough just as a silly snowday adventure.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
January 22, 2019
All set to give his presentation on Ernest Shackleton, a boy is instead stuck at home due to a major snowstorm. The boy chronicles his adventure using journal entries like Shackleton’s to tell the tale. It all starts out fine with lots of food to share and a light heart. Then items begin to disappear and as the food dwindles, the boy must find out who the thief is before he ruins them all. Along the way, there is sledding, clearing the deck of snow and other merriment. Yet it may all lead to mutiny in the end.
Based on the author’s Facebook posts during the Boston snowstorm in 2015 that dumped 95 inches of snow, this book’s wry take on being stuck at home moves from being a joyous look at a snow day to a possible mutiny and lack of food. Still, the voice is always funny and the look at being a family stuck with one another for a length of time with resonate with children stuck home due to a storm or because of a holiday.
The illustrations are funny and detailed with cross-sections of the home, glimpses into windows, and vintage images from the Shackleton crew as well as objects of the time. The entire book cleverly plays on the Shackleton experience for laughter and context.
With a voice that makes for a great read aloud, this one is ideal to read with snow falling outside. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Based on the author’s Facebook posts during the Boston snowstorm in 2015 that dumped 95 inches of snow, this book’s wry take on being stuck at home moves from being a joyous look at a snow day to a possible mutiny and lack of food. Still, the voice is always funny and the look at being a family stuck with one another for a length of time with resonate with children stuck home due to a storm or because of a holiday.
The illustrations are funny and detailed with cross-sections of the home, glimpses into windows, and vintage images from the Shackleton crew as well as objects of the time. The entire book cleverly plays on the Shackleton experience for laughter and context.
With a voice that makes for a great read aloud, this one is ideal to read with snow falling outside. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
February 14, 2019
Captain's Log : Snowbound by Erin Dionne illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler, PICTURE BOOK Charlesbridge, 2018. $18. 1580898254
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A young boy is very excited to give his oral report (complete with tri-fold visual and "action scene") on Sir Ernest Shackleton - but unfortunately he is snowed in at home. So, he keeps a "Captains Log" as though he is Shackelton. Exploring with his first mate (the dog), shoveling off the deck (the porch) and having trouble with the scallywag (his little brother) until he can finally go to school and give his actual report.
Oh my goodness! This is so cute! The illustrations are hilarious, describing ordinary things as south pole sights, like a man with a snowblower is a fur seal and little kids in snow suits are penguins. I loved the log entries, the report and the author's note - complete with sources to learn more about Shackelton.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A young boy is very excited to give his oral report (complete with tri-fold visual and "action scene") on Sir Ernest Shackleton - but unfortunately he is snowed in at home. So, he keeps a "Captains Log" as though he is Shackelton. Exploring with his first mate (the dog), shoveling off the deck (the porch) and having trouble with the scallywag (his little brother) until he can finally go to school and give his actual report.
Oh my goodness! This is so cute! The illustrations are hilarious, describing ordinary things as south pole sights, like a man with a snowblower is a fur seal and little kids in snow suits are penguins. I loved the log entries, the report and the author's note - complete with sources to learn more about Shackelton.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 29, 2019
6/29/2019 ~ Clever juxtaposition of Edward Shackleton's Antarctic experiences with a boy's experience trapped in his house after a winter storm. The boy writes a captain's log as if he's really snowbound while the illustrations tell both the story of Shackleton and what's really happening in the boy's home. The illustrator has a fine eye for detail (note the unpainted drywall in the garage with the "lifeboat.") The backmatter tells some of Shackleton's tale. Notes on diversity: The family is multiracial (Black mom, White dad). However, the school Explorers' Day shows 4 students' projects, all of which are about White men.
May 27, 2019
Loved this book and the voice in which it was told. The illustrations were funny too, and I felt this book portrayed sibling rivalry in a relatable way. This would be a really good book to either introduce to kids some aspects of ships, or talk about explorers. I think it would be fun to do an explorer project like the main character is doing in the book. This also reminded me a little of Calvin and Hobbes.
December 28, 2019
Clever parallel of Shackleton's story and the fictional boy's story of being snowed in.
There were so many phrases and words I had to help my 6 year old understand that it wouldn't be an easy independent read.
Still, we ended up learning about the real ship The Endurance and Shackleton's expedition and crew. I ended up googling all about it afterwards. So interesting!
There were so many phrases and words I had to help my 6 year old understand that it wouldn't be an easy independent read.
Still, we ended up learning about the real ship The Endurance and Shackleton's expedition and crew. I ended up googling all about it afterwards. So interesting!
December 3, 2018
I enjoyed the book because of the link to the Shackleton story. But I also think that those who are not familiar with Ernest Shackleton will not get the basis of the boy's journaling.
Even so, the book is inventive and cute, with very good illustratons.
Even so, the book is inventive and cute, with very good illustratons.
May 6, 2019
Trapped in his home by a snowstorm, a young explorer keeps a daily log of how the “crew”, his family, handles being snowbound. Join the madcap adventure while learning about Captain Ernest Shackleton, and his South Pole expedition. Reviewer #12
December 18, 2018
Liked the imagination and hints about the Shackleton experience. Interested me enough to seek out more information regarding this historical event. Kid friendly and fun. Definitely worth checking out from the library.
March 7, 2019
A boy snowed in is preparing for a presentation on a real explorer. The parallels between the two will be amusing for kids. They will also build their vocabulary and be able to discern some of the new words thanks to detailed illustrations.
January 22, 2020
What a fun story! A kid who is snowbound (along with friends and family) goes through many of the same trials and tribulations (okay, in slightly less dire manner) as Ernest P. Shackleton. Funny, plus nice backmatter about the REAL Shackleton.
November 27, 2018
Interesting premise and story which makes a nice introduction to Shackleton. CRAZY fun illustrations.
December 14, 2018
Oh my goodness! This is so cute! For my full review, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT
December 19, 2018
An excellent blending of story and NF
January 5, 2019
I think most parents can relate to the idea of feeling marooned on a ship stuck in ice, when stuck inside the house with their kids in bad weather . . . . Clever for kids and their adults.
January 27, 2019
It is rather cute and entertaining. Both illustrations and story are creative and kids should enjoy this one.
February 13, 2019
Can see how teachers may find this useful mid snowstorm. Make sure kids don't miss the author's note explaining how the book began as a series of facebook posts.
March 6, 2019
A little boy likens his experience of some snow days away from school to his report on Shackelton's adventures in the Antarctic.
Very fun illustrations.
Very fun illustrations.
January 13, 2020
Funny take on being snowbound with your family.
February 6, 2020
A Shackelton-obsessed young child tells this story in journal-style entries. He tells of a coming snowstorm and how it effects his family.
March 15, 2025
Clever, cute, wacky, and with a smart history lesson interlaced. The author’s note was fun. I remember the winter of 2015😅.
February 26, 2026
Not just a story for a snow day. Also an introduction to the great explorer, Ernest Shackleton!
May 3, 2018
Thanks to Edelweiss and Charlesbridge Publishing for early access to this title.
VERY fun! I loved the illustrations, and the story is very cute. The sibling rivalry is perfect! A great read for kids and adults as well.
VERY fun! I loved the illustrations, and the story is very cute. The sibling rivalry is perfect! A great read for kids and adults as well.
November 19, 2020
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
November 29, 2020
Now this could be retitled: Coronabound.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews