The Adventures of Thomas Pilgrim and Barney High Tail

Hyperrealist historical fiction writer Henry Hixson offers a wildly satisfying story in The Adventures of Thomas Pilgrim and Barney High Tail, his debut for young adults. In the style as such classics as The Prince and the Pauper and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Hixson has a way with creating suspense and conflict in this sea-faring adventure that ultimately provides readers a lesson on self-reliance. There aren't too many lads like Thomas Pilgrim. At thirteen his favorite things include Barney High Tail, his black cat, and wood carving. It's 1795 and life is pretty calm on the coast of England where he lives with his father, mother, and sister until he visits his dad at work one day. For some young blokes this might mean something less fascinating, but Thomas' dad isn't a baker or shoe smith; he's a shipbuilder. His dear old dad may have an eye for detail when it comes to building masts and jibs, but he doesn't notice when Thomas and Barney High Tail let curiosity get the better of them. The lure of a ship's mystery leads the two to sneak aboard one that's soon going a-sailing On the HMS Provider, two unscrupulous sailors who won't have Thomas and Barney High Tail's best interest in mind soon discover the stowaways. As the ship makes it way to the South Pacific, lad and cat will discover the true meaning of friendship and what it means to persevere against all odds.

Author Henry Hixson has always loved people and the sea. After studies at the University of South Carolina in business and a stint in the U. S. Navy, Henry began a successful thirty-five-year career in sales and marketing. Having retired early allowed him more time to spend with family and friends. Much of this time was spent telling stories to his grandchild, nephew, and niece. This love of storytelling and the sea helped create The Adventures of Thomas Pilgrim and Barney High Tail. When not writing, you may find Henry enjoying a beautiful sunset on his dock on Edisto Island, S. C. Although his love of writing started later in life, Henry would be first to say ＂you’re never too old to create a dream.＂