This book is the first of my adventures living on the boat and the mischief as I meet and make new friends. Now come along for the exciting journey. I learn the importance of making friends and being nice to everyone.
This book is the first of my adventures living on the boat and the mischief as I meet and make new friends. Now come along for the exciting journey. I learn the importance of making friends and being nice to everyone.
Hi, my name is Mexi, and my mum and dad decided that we would move on to a narrowboat called "Never Two Late".
This book is the first of my adventures living on the boat and the mischief as I meet and make new friends. Now come along for the exciting journey.
I was curled up snuggly on my bed when I heard my dad coming downstairs. I was a bit shocked as it was four o'clock in the morning. I knew this meant we were going to another car-boot market to sell more of our furniture and bits. I would not say I like getting up early, but I did not want to stay by myself, so I stretched and got up. The only good part of this day was sitting on my mum's knee as there was no room in the back and having part of their sausage sandwiches.
I used to go with them to visit the boat, they were always very excited, but I did not understand why. It was just a long metal tube, and I could not see out of the windows, but I thought it would be good if they were happy. Especially if it meant I could go paddling in water more often.
We eventually moved out of the house and stayed in various places for a few weeks. We went for lots of lovely walks, and I was allowed to paddle in streams and dirty puddles. It was very exciting. I had many adventures and different smells to explore each day. I thought this new life should be fun as I have my mum and dad with me all the time, so I am sure I would be spoilt rotten. All I had to do now was get used to the metal tube with the high windows that would be home.
Today was the day we were moving onto the tube; I mean narrowboat.
I will not tell fibs. I was nervous, but the good thing was that Canna, my best friend, a big black labrador, was coming too for the day. I am sure she would be brave and show me the ropes.
It was a very hectic day. My mum and dad were extremely busy, and I did not understand what was going on, but I knew I would be ok as I was with them. I kept close to Canna, but she was more frightened than I. Even though she is big, I found out she is not very brave.
This metal tube, which was now my new home, wobbled when I got on, which was scary. I had a bed under the dining table, making me feel safe. This was to be my bedroom now.
The first night went well; I cuddled up on the settee all evening in the middle of mum and dad. At bedtime, I was taken out by dad for a sniff around, and this is when I heard a moorhen, I was not keen on these ducks. I really do not know why; they had never done anything to me. However, I came back in and slept well, but I did dream about the moorhen. I chased it and barked every time it came near me. I will show it, I thought.
The following day was great mum took me for a lovely early morning walk. I met a few ducks who I watched and smiled at. They were noisy, quacking at me. I do not think they knew I did not understand duck language, so I just watched as they swam about in the canal. I tried to paddle too, but I was told no as I could not get on the boat wet, I looked sad, but it did not work; I still had to stay dry.
Dogs love to explore, and puppies are notorious for getting into mischief. The world is new to them, so they must check out everything and anything. They also chase after almost anything that moves.
In The Adventures of Mexi, the boat dog by Maxine K Brown, the curious dog kept his owners hopping throughout the story. Mexi's dog-like actions did not make the boat ride a calm, uneventful experience for all. In fact, his actions caused him to have a time-out. Most kids can relate to the dreaded "time-out." It's not fun for humans or puppies.
I loved the images of the dogs and birds. Super cute. I would've liked to see a picture of a narrowboat, so my child had it right in front of them for reference. I also would've made all the photos bigger.
Special note: Some people might be unfamiliar with the phrase "car-boot market." I was, so I had to do an online search to gain more information about it. I discovered it's a cross between a flea market, estate sale, collector's fair, and a yard sale, and all items are sold out of the back of your car. It originated in the UK, became popular in Australia, and has events popping up in the U.S. I encourage you to look up photos and locations of events. There might be one near you!
If you purchase the print copy, Maxine K Brown (the author) has added several blank pages "for you to draw a picture of Mexi and her friends and write your own story." If you decide to use the pages to write a story, I'd like to point out there are no lined pages. You'd have to manually draw them on or opt for your paper. There's also an email address where parents can forward their child's finished product. I hope you decide to send in those drawing and stories.