Earthquake Terror

Jonathan knows that trees float, so he decides to make a raft. He finds four young tree trunks and lines them up to make a platform large enough for Abby but realizes that there is no good way to tie the logs together. As he tries to think of a new idea, Abby wants to play school, and starts singing “the itsy-bitsy spider” (62) as she pretends to teach music class. Jonathan joins in to pacify Abby, but his mind is on their predicament, and he soon realizes that the floodwaters are already approaching.

Jonathan thinks quickly, telling Abby they need to sit on top of the giant redwood trunk. He tells Abby that they need to climb the tree roots “like rungs on a ladder” (65) and encourages Abby that he will be there to help her. He also patiently answers Abby’s questions about the floodwater while maintaining his sense of urgency that they climb the roots. While Abby holds onto the roots, Jonathan helps her place her feet and boosts her upward. The climbing process is slow for Abby, and Jonathan has a difficult time holding on while helping her. When Abby finally reaches the top of the roots, she gasps when she sees the flattened camper and reality hits her.