Camel caravan

by Arthur Catherall, Joseph Papin (Illustrator)

Two children accompany their uncle's caravan across the desert. After a surprise attack by raiders they find themselves alone with two wounded camels, little water, and unsure of their whereabouts.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

143 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

In addition to his own name, Arthur Catherall also wrote under the names A.R. Channel, Dan Corby, J. Baltimore, Linda Peters (Adventure at Brackendale), Peter Hallard, Margaret Ruthin, and Trevor Maine.

He was a prolific author of magazine short stories, single novels and series novels for all age groups and genders. His children's adventure stories were popular in book club editions and can be found in several languages.

Reviews

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

We own a lot of Weekly Reader Children's Book Club Books, This is one of my favorite. I just finished reading it today, (that makes it at 3 times of reading it. Then on the way to town I started reading it to My mother and 2 of my siblings. It is so far to drive we car pool. Gives us lots of reading time. April 2015

They all had to barrow it.

06-06-2015 Read this book to my husband today. It is nice to listen to stories when you are not feeling well. A wonderful distraction. Have read 4 times now.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise. In my limited understanding of Middle Eastern culture, I found this lovely story to be entertaining and instructive.

It was published in 1968, which was before the current negative attitude toward the Middle East was so common, so its even presentation is appreciated. A boy is the hero of the story, but he is ably assisted by his sister. While she is cast in a subservient light because of the culture, she still shows herself to be reliable and valuable member of the team. Still, some may chafe under the restrictions placed upon her.

Among the overriding lessons I found in the book were kindness and consideration.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Arthur Catherall's books! They usually take place in an exotic location, and give detailed descriptions of life in other countries. In this story, set in Mali, a brother and sister set out with their uncle in a camel caravan carrying salt from the desert south to Timbuktu. What an adventure story! Danger from raiders, heat, thirst, sandstorms, and getting lost make you sit on the edge of your seat as you read. I read it all in one sitting because I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended.

[Josette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friend Sharilyn Carmichael brought this little gem to book club as one of her favorite children's books, so I had to borrow it. A great find!

[Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this in about 20 years, but I remember feeling totally caught up in it. It opened up a whole new world for me.