"Night Train at Wiscasset Station" is a masterpiece. Lew Dietz's words, interspersed with Kosti Ruohomaa's photographs, paint a picture of a time gone by in a state that can be beautiful, haunting, desolate and welcoming all at the same time. I grew up in Maine, and this books makes me nostalgic for home. A must-read for anyone who's ever been touched by the state of mind that is Maine.

The story is told by the son of the man who first tamed, and then released, Andre the harbor seal. Fantastic for children because it is told from the perspective of a boy who grew up with this seal, but also very informative and interesting to adults as he is very specific about the difficulties they encountered. While it is a funny and heartwarming story, it also points out the inherent problems faced by wild animals when they are raised by humans. Many fascinating discussions can come from this reading!

I thought the book, "A Seal Called Andre," was a great family story. It is a story that I would suggest my future children and grandchildren read. It showed me how man and animal can form such a strong bond. It showed me the meaning of love between two friends and how someone can love an animal like a human being. It also shows how strong two friends have to work together to keep such a special friendship, and the obstacles they sometimes have to overcome.