{"product_id":"sammy-and-the-secret-shortcut-9798998968105","title":"Sammy and the Secret Shortcut","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA shortcut through the jungle. A ship that can't stop. A sailor with a heart full of wonder.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSet along the legendary Panama Canal, \u003cem\u003eSammy and the Secret Shortcut\u003c\/em\u003e invites young readers on a rhythmic, high-stakes adventure where curiosity leads to courage-and an unforgettable discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMeet Sammy the Sailor, a wide-eyed explorer with an unstoppable imagination. Inspired by the real-life journeys of author Samuel M. Riley-a former cruise ship Learning \u0026amp; Development Manager who has sailed over 285,000 nautical miles-this debut blends firsthand experience with wonder-filled storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's Inside: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- A fun, fast-paced rhyming tale ideal for ages 4-8\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e - Rich, painterly illustrations that spark curiosity and conversation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e - Gentle themes of geography, courage, and listening to your inner compass\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e - A lovable lead character kids will want to follow from port to port\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect for bedtime reading, classroom libraries, travel units, and any child with a spirit for adventure, this story helps young readers imagine a world of possibilities-one shortcut at a time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes Educational Content\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e At the end of the book, readers will discover fun facts about the Panama Canal, helping them connect Sammy's journey to real-world geography and history. Ideal for classrooms, homeschooling, and curious young minds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHidden Symbol Bonus: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e A few characters in \u003cem\u003eSammy and the Secret Shortcut\u003c\/em\u003e were intentionally illustrated with four fingers instead of five-a subtle tribute to the author's two real-life crossings through the Panama Canal (once from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and once back again).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo crossings for the author. Two for Sammy. Four fingers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis quiet detail is a hidden sailor's symbol, much like the Easter eggs found in classic animation-just waiting for observant readers to discover.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Samuel Riley Stories LLC\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 05\/21\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798998968105\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 26\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.24lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.07d","brand":"Samuel M. Riley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51817853649077,"sku":"9798998968105","price":12.74,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_65ff3079-3ce4-4c4c-9405-1070ec6b28c7.jpg?v=1759242152","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/sammy-and-the-secret-shortcut-9798998968105","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}