I can’t remember much about “BOY LOST IN FOG” (not the actual title), but what I can remember (or what I think/believe I remember) is:
- it is a children’s picture book, written in English, with black and white illustrations
- I read, or the book was read to me between 1980 and 1988, no clue as to the publishing date
- there is something in there about a small boy leaving home, perhaps on his own
- there might be something about him being on or following the sidewalk
- there is something about fog, or getting lost in thick fog temporarily – this is the main thing I remember
- there might be something in there about encountering a stranger in the fog, or someone who helps or scares him
- there might be something about a lighthouse
Anyone have any ideas on this? Does it ring any bells whatsoever?
It made me think of Dr Merlin’s Magic Shop by Scott Corbett. When Nick takes his dog for a walk in the fog, he sees a new magic store and encounters the evil Dr Merlin. And there’s a sequel, The Great Custard Pie Panic. The illustrations and plot were pretty memorable, and no lighthouse, so probably not what you’re looking for.
A long shot, but any chance it’s No Boys Allowed (1976) by Susan Terris (Author) and Richard Cuffari (Illustrator)? 48 pages. It says on the first page that the location is San Francisco, so of course there’s fog at night. There was also a woman stranger who scolded him for being out after dark, but she doesn’t really try to help.
From Kirkus:
“‘I don’t mind women’s lib–only women’s lip.’ That’s how eight-year-old Tullius Cicero Sharp IV, known as Tad, explains his problems with four bossy older sisters. And when the girls plan Ma’s birthday dinner without consulting him, Tad decides to go downtown alone to buy his own present and then finds himself without bus fare for the trip home. Tad’s walk home after dark is truly scary–a lonely park, the lighted windows of strange houses, a burntout mansion, even a neighbor’s bull terrier all feed his active imagination. Otherwise this is one of those narrowly focused gestures of independence that relies on the reader’s own feelings about. big sisters to provide the emotional stuffing.”
Thank you for the reply Lenona, I don’t think No Boys Allowed was it though… 🙂 Thank you for the great guess!!!
– Dave
Jen, thank you so so much!! You may well have nailed this! I have to get my hands on a copy but it’s looking very promising… it seems like such a long time ago so it’s hard to remember. I’m in disbelief that anyone was able to get it from my vague description. The Great Custard Pie Panic is ringing bells too which is also promising. Well done indeed and thank you again. Hope you have a great evening wherever you are!!!!!
– Dave