Bear has earned his position as a Quartermaster on board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Southwind. He has a lot to learn, but his senior officer takes him under his paw and mentors him. In Eileen Clancy Biegel’s Shipmate, Bear learns quickly and rises through the ranks until he becomes the senior officer and mentor. By the time Bear is ready to retire, he has duly earned the title of Shipmate. It’s an honor to be called Shipmate. It's a compliment because the person called Shipmate is filled with courage, love, duty, honor, and, of course, country.

Eileen Clancy Biegel’s picture book, Shipmate, is an engaging story that teaches young readers about life at sea as a Coast Guard officer. The language is simple to help young readers follow along. The descriptive tale covers many aspects of life on a Coast Guard vessel. It covers some of the voyages made and the reasons for these voyages, like taking scientists to Antarctica. It also presents some of the dangers and the importance of the crew working together to resolve issues that may come up. There are adventures, too, like when Southwind hits an underwater rock and is damaged. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and help move the story along. At the end of the book, the author pays tribute to her brother who served as a Coast Guard officer. This is an engaging and educational read that will certainly appeal to young readers anxious to learn more about what it’s like to work on a ship.

Shipmate by Eileen Clancy Biegel follows the heartwarming journey of Bear, a new Coast Guard recruit finding his way aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Southwind. Through his experiences, both as a student and eventually as a mentor, young readers see the importance of hard work, learning, and helping others. The story introduces kids to the Coast Guard’s mission while keeping things fun and engaging. Biegel’s simple yet captivating storytelling makes ideas about responsibility and teamwork easy for young minds to understand, and the maritime setting adds an exciting sense of adventure.

Eileen Clancy Biegel does a fantastic job of making life aboard a Coast Guard icebreaker feel real while keeping the story lighthearted and inspiring. Bear is a great character for kids to relate to, and I love how the book encourages both curiosity and kindness. The way the author weaves in facts about the Coast Guard without making it feel like a history lesson is impressive, and the mentorship aspect is a sweet emotional part that youngsters can get invested in. What makes this book special is how it helps kids see their own potential—not just to learn, but to one day pass on their knowledge and help others grow. The setting comes alive with details that make learning about the Coast Guard an adventure rather than just information. Overall, Shipmate is a wonderful addition to any child’s library, blending important values with the kind of fun and excitement that keeps young readers coming back for more.

Shipmate is a children's adventure written by Eileen Clancy Biegel and illustrated by Tiffany LaGrange. It has themes of courage, pride, and leadership. Bear's first assignment in the U.S. Coast Guard is as a quartermaster on the Southwind, also known as the Polar Prowler. Bear feels like he has been thrown into the deep end, but, with the help and guidance of Chief Bear, he soon becomes an asset on the Southwind and is instrumental in its successes. After many adventures, Bear follows in the footsteps of leaders who have come before him, and he becomes a mentor, helping newcomers find their confidence and rhythm. Bear also falls in love with Betty Bear after Chief Bear arranges a blind date.

Eileen Clancy Biegel wrote Shipmate after her brother, who served in the Coast Guard and was nicknamed the Bear, passed away. The book pays homage to the pride and commitment of Coast Guard members. Biegel's storytelling ability is pristine, and, coupled with the illustrations, creates a dreamlike ambiance. There are important lessons of courage, hard work, and leadership for children to learn in a fun and engaging way. Bear's story is also one of perseverance and discipline, and his adventures around the world and on the open seas will hopefully inspire children to take an active part in life as well as the outdoors, as opposed to spending all their time watching television or playing video games. Shipmate combines powerful themes, picturesque illustrations, and an exciting adventure into a marvelous book for young readers.