Discover the whimsical tale of friendship between one man and his gold pan, and their journey in the wake of the Gold Rush.
"A plucky pan is a prospector’s devoted companion as they venture through the Alaskan interior. But when their search turns up empty, Pan begins to wonder if he’s broken in this lighthearted glimpse into gold rush history."
—New York Public Library, Best Books for Kids (Nonfiction History)
"Though the story is humorous and the protagonist playful, there is some meaty geology and history to be mined within, including information on iron pyrite (aka fool''s gold: ''Drat!'') and how to pan for gold. Souva''s illustrations employ geometric shapes and a muted palette, investing Pan with appealing personality via eyebrows, eyes, and mouth. Backmatter expands upon the story for readers curious to know more. While the book is sure to appeal to educators, especially those teaching about the v