Fine Hardcover Talking Fingers Publications, 2011. Book. Fine. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). 1st Edition. Signed by both the author and his dad, without personalization. Clean pages in glossy boards. Lavishly illustrated with scenes from the young author's sailing adventures in West Africa. . Additional Details ------------------------------ Product description: In 1970, Jeannine and Matt Herron, with their children, Matthew (age 13) and Melissa (age 11) sailed Aquarius, their thirty-foot sloop, from New Orleans to West Africa. For a year and a half, the Herrons visited countries from Mauritania to Ghana, including a 300-mile inland trip up the Gambia River. It was an experiment in alternative education for the children, who read more than 100 books, learned to type, studied French, math, marine biology and navigation, while absorbing geography and African culture. Matthew and Melissa were encouraged to keep a journal of their thoughts and experiences, which underscored Jeannine's view of writing as a powerful educational tool. Our Big Blue Schoolhouse is Matthew's journal, illustrated with photos from his father, award-winning photojournalist, Matt Herron, senior.