Deodar's Voice - US

Historical fiction based in New Zealand. Auckland's first police launch, DEODAR, is the loudest boat in the harbor. Some think she is possessed, but LAURENCE the launch master likes Deodar just the way she is. Except for Deodar's roar and her tendency to overheat, maritime rescues become routine until all the children in a dinghy race are caught in a storm. Most of Deodar's crew is ashore and Laurence can't go alone. Fortunately, CURLEY, a young cadet who is afraid of the sea, volunteers to go with Laurence. For once, Deodar's loudness is an asset as her voice leads most children to safety, but young FRANKIE McKENNA is still missing, and Deodar's roar drowns out Frankie's desperate call for help. Can Laurance, Curley, and Deodar find Frankie in spite of Deodar's problems? The Daldy series of books explores the interaction of boats and the children who live along the coastline of New Zealand. Loosely based on historical events, maritime adventures carry each story as characters and relationships are developed and tested.