U.S.-Azores whaling ties inspire new children´s book

[Atlantic Islander]

NEW BEDFORD — Artist and author David Blanchette admits having a lifelong fascination with whaling history.

So, when the Wareham designer/illustrator had an idea for a book for children, he drew inspiration from the U.S.-Azores rich whaling ties to capture the little ones’ attention and imagination.

After over two years of thought, concept, planning, storyboards and many hours of work, the illustrated book “Xico” was officially introduced on Sept. 12 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

The book tells the story of a young boy named Xico from the island of Faial, Azores, who stows away on a New Bedford whaleship with his pet rat Pink Ears. The two have many adventures as they sail around the world, making new friends and learning about new cultures.

Blanchette said the idea for the book started to take shape when he became a docent at the Whaling Museum, greeting thousands of children as a fictitious whaling master named Captain C. Weade aboard the Lagoda.

“My background is from illustrating children’s books and educational materials. It was natural for me to think of a kid’s story, once I started working here,” he said.

The artist, who read from his book and gave an illustrated talk about its creation and his art at the event, said that the story is not so far-fetched.

“It could happen,” he said with a smile.

During the whaling years, 12-year-olds signed on as cabin boys, but the only way a younger boy could get onboard would be as a stowaway.

The interest in making the main character an Azorean boy came from the Portuguese influence in New Bedford life, as the author is not of Portuguese descent. Blanchette even added another Azorean character — Tomaz, the boy’s uncle, who signs on as a deckhand.

“The more I got into the Whaling Museum and the history of whaling and made the connection between New Bedford whaleships and the Azores… how cool it would be to have an Azorean boy,” he said.

“Xico” is published by the New Bedford Whaling Museum and sponsored by the William M. Wood Foundation.

source

[Prisoner Of Ice]

Unfortunately many sea captains were a holy terror and there was a lot of tropical disease but I always thought it would be one of the most amazing things to sail the seas back in the old days.