Mike fink is a larger than life fold hero. This humorously written and illustrated book tells a tale of Mike Fink, who in this story, left home at 2 days old and landed in the American frontier. throughout his life through a series of daring exploits, he eventually became the "King of the Keelboat men."
Kneel boat men were much in need before the steam ship technology arrived and began an entire new way of transporting goods throughout the river system.

This lushly illustrated book depicts Mike Fink as he wrestles bear, wrestles other kings of the kneel boats to become the best of the best, as he took down man eating alligators, pushed boats uphill against mighty waves, and continued to be a rouwdy challenge to the frontier way of life.

I liked this book. It made me laugh and smile. And, the illustrations were highly visual and active. ( )

In zesty prose and exuberant pictures, Steven Kellogg captures all the fun and adventure from Mike's beginning as a runaway, when he was two days old, until he was King of the Keelboatmen. Mike Fink, the larger-than-life hero of American folklore, was the most daring and rugged frontiersman on any American river.

398.2

Mike Fink was king of the keelboatmen -- the strongest, rowdiest bunch of fellows ever to work on the Mississippi. Mike was a whole lot more than a keelboater -- yes, sir! He was a crack shot and the best grizzly and gator wrestler on the river. They don't make 'em like Mike these days, now do they? ( )

I liked this book for two reasons. First, I enjoyed the constant acton within the story. There is never a dull moment between Mike Fink wrestling bears or boats exploding. The second reason I liked this book was because of the illustrations. They are very detailed and give a great visual to the story. My favorite illustration was the bears lifting the rock dumbbells. The creative pictures made the story come to life and helped the reader broaden their imagination. The message in this story is that you can do anything that you put your mind to no matter who doubts you. ( )