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Published on 07/13/1998 All articles from this issue

Buoy's life at sea captured in Los Altan's latest book

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Anyone who has done any scuba diving in Monterey Bay can appreciate the recently published book by Los Altos resident and author Bruce Balan. His new book, "Buoy, Home At Sea," is written for pre-teen (third to fifth grade) students, but environmentalists can also appreciate the natural setting of a buoy and the sea creatures that call Buoy home.

The author will autograph and read his latest book at Linden Tree Children's Records and Books from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, 170 State St., Los Altos.

Balan is an avid sailor and certified scuba diver with a lot of first-hand experiences that inspire his sea tales.

In this wonderful story, Buoy has a bell that he rings slowly and softly on calm nights. On cold foggy mornings, he rings as boldly and loudly as he can so boats have no question on his location.

When the wind screams and ships lose their way, Buoy rings urgently.

Buoy is home to perching seals and gulls sitting on his red light. Whales say hello as they pass by and sharks come visiting.

The book is set in small vignettes that range from poignant to precious and cover the life of a buoy at sea.

These are not only children's stories. They are poetic and symbolically rich with life.

Balan captures the ocean and all its creatures to make the book environmentally rich. Whale songs, shooting stars and surprise occurrences make it enjoyable reading.

Balan serves on the board of directors of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

You can visit him on the World Wide Web at http://cyber.kdz.com/balan, or come to Linden Tree this Saturday.