One Morning in Maine

[julieandrews]

Working in the library's been filled with little serendipitous things. The first book I ever shelved was about careers in library science. My first day of class, someone donated the exact textbook I needed, saving me a fair bit of money.

And today, because someone returned this book to the wrong library, it landed on my desk. One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey. My first thought was that it reminded me of the blueberry book, so I wondered if it was the same author/illustrator. Turns out it was -- starring the same protagonist even, I presume.

But what then caught my attention was the last page. CLAM CHOWDER FOR LUNCH! And that started to ring bells with me. So I turned to the front and began to read. And yes, definitely. I read this book. I was read this book. I think I must have really liked this book. It's about a girl who's obsessed with her first loose tooth. I'm not quite sure if that had made a particular impression on me. But when they go digging for clams, you can bet that did. I think I was in love with clam-digging! And never have gone and done it.

There are certain pictures in this book that are oh-so-familiar to me. Mostly of the main character, Sal. Her poses. Her expressions. Losing her tooth in the clam hole saltwater puddle.

As you can guess, the book's also about Maine. My family, both sides, is rather obsessed with the state. And the lobsters. And the clams. And the lighthouses. So without asking, I couldn't say who bought this book or who read it to me.

But man.. want to go dig me some clams right about now.

Comments

[tomomi.livejournal.com]

We used to 'dig for clams' whenever we went to the beach. I'm not sure what we would have done had we actually found any. In spite of growing up on the ocean in our minds clams are covered in batter and fried, and entirely separate entities from clam shells.

[chiieddy.livejournal.com]

There are some clam flats along the Revere/Saugus border I've seen being dug about in. I know you can dig around some parts of Northern MA for some. Steamers ftw. :)

[chiieddy.livejournal.com]

I wonder if it's a sequel or prequel for Blueberries for Sal. Also by the same author. The latter was a staple in my childhood along with 'Make Way for Ducklings'.