Captain Toby

One stormy night a boy named Toby embarks on a terrific journey. One minute he is lying in bed, as the howling of the winds and rattling of the windows begin a horrible crescendo; before Toby knows what has happened, his house has rolled and pitched out to sea. Aided by his pet cat, Toby bravely charts a course. An enormous octopus swims menacingly near, but luckily, reinforcements arriveCaptain Grandpa and Chief Gunner Grandma, in their own house-submarine. Grandma shoots balls of yarn at the surprised octopus (``She never missed a shot''). Later, in calmer seas, the octopus is found knitting busily. By the creator of When Sheep Can't Sleep and Lily Takes a Walk , Kitamura's nautical romp is a combination of sweet charm and raucous revelry. Both violent storms at sea and the halcyon morning after are conveyed with equal intensity. The artistry displayed in the jewel-colored illustrations is considerable: prismatic blues of the ocean and the varying greys and blacks of stormy skies (occasionally streaked with brilliant bolts of lightning) make the book a satisfying visual treat. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)