BOOK ONE · THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKET AND ARTHUR
West Coast Chapters
by Sheila E. Humphrey
For Arthur, his sister, Bucket, and their single mother, Florence, a new life on the west coast of Canada is both exciting and challenging.
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Cover design & typesetting by Foglio | Custom Book Specialists
ABOUT THE BOOK
A year by the ocean.
For Arthur, his sister, Bucket, and their single mother, Florence, a new life on the west coast of Canada is both exciting and challenging. Although Florence is only on a one-year sabbatical, the family packs in a myriad of activities.
Life by the ocean is a huge contrast to living in landlocked Moorland. For the children, spending time with their grandpa and Nana is a highlight, as well as swimming, performing in musicals, meeting new friends, and not watching any TV for an entire month. Bucket’s diary holds the key to her thoughts and feelings, while Arthur’s sketchbook proves to be his outlet.
Day-to-day life, with all its ups and downs, is more tolerable with a sense of humour and abiding affection. The Adventures of Bucket and Arthur—West Coast Chapters is a look at life in a single-parent household, where nothing is stronger than the love of family.
READ AN EXCERPT
“I dub thee Sir Carrot.”
“It’s just not fair!” Bucket cried to her mother. “All my friends are in Moorland. How could you do this to me?”
Florence didn’t know how to respond to her daughter. Ever since moving to Tirovica with her two children a few days ago, they had been unhappy. Bucket was vocal in her evident despair, while Arthur placed one foot in front of the other and said not a word.
“You’re going to see the ocean!” Florence said brightly, as she pulled the car into a small parking lot, sidestepping her daughter’s question for the time-being.
“So what?” Bucket retorted. “We saw that already, on the ferry.”
“And it was so windy, we almost got blown off the deck!” Arthur added, laughing. His sister poked him in the ribs, giving him a fearsome scowl in the process.
Florence turned to her children sitting glumly in the back seat and ignored their comments saying, “Don’t forget your towels and hats. It’s probably going to be really hot on the beach.”
The road was busy. Luckily, they were close to a cross-walk. It took them to the park by the beach, but they still had to be vigilant. Florence held onto Arthur’s hand while her father took Bucket’s arm. Her dad still held onto Bucket after they crossed the street.
“You have certainly grown up, young lady,” he said to Bucket. “And your posture is very good. You hold yourself like a queen.” Then he twirled her round and round.
“Oh, grandpa!” Bucket laughed and curtsied.
“See, what did I tell you,” Arthur cried. “You think you’re the queen.”
“Well, if that’s the case Arthur,” his grandpa announced, “then you must be the knight.” He took a branch that was lying by the path and gave Arthur a tap on either shoulder. “I dub thee Sir Carrot.”
Turning to Bucket he performed the same ritual. “I dub thee Lady French Fry.” Then he gave the branch to Arthur.
“Follow me, my gallant army,” Arthur stated in an exaggerated deep voice, and marched down the trail to the beach below. Bucket pretended she had on a large skirt and swept down behind him. Florence took her father’s arm as they followed the children.
