J.b. Hayes

Pell of Oyster Bay J.b. Hayes

The year is 1943; the place is Oyster Bay, a small community on the north shore of Long Island. We follow Pell, a nine-year-old boy, through his summer vacation. Pell finds plenty of activities and adventures to keep him busy all summer long. His explorations in the vast woods that borders his home, the new experience of raising chickens, going out on the bay with his grandfather in his oyster boat and frog hunting, are but a few of the things that weave their way into his daily activities and into the chapters of this book. Along the way we see the values that Pell is picking up as he deals many situations and which are based on the examples his parents and family members have made on him. The story also shows that coming from a modest background does not limit your curiosity and ability to have fun and find things to do in even in limited surroundings. We see how Pell interrelates with both children of his own age, and adults, as well. Although the time period is not recent, you''ll see that the interest of children has changed little. The reader will see how these simple growing up activities form a firm foundation for later life. H. L. Bumstead, A reviewer, June 19, 2006, A Trip in TimeLong Island New York native J. B. Hayes' first novel takes us to Oyster Bay during the summer of 1943. Rich with authentic detail, the book follows the adventures of 'Pell' the titular character who got his unusual nickname (short for 'pell mell')on the day of his birth. As the book opens, Pell has just recoverd from Scarlet Fever and is determined to get out of bed and enjoy all the summer holidays have to offer an imaginative nine-year-old. The reader follows Pell through the summer and into a place rarely found in this age the age of the internet. Oyster Bay is a real town and landmarks in the novel still exist, but the Oyster Bay of more than sixty years ago is a very different place from the one found today. Pell's Oyster bay is one with woods and small local stores, a brook