About Jan Padgett Jan Padgett is a writer and filmmaker who lives in Powell River, B.C. The Reluctant Deckhand is a joint project with the National Film Board of Canada, which has produced an animated film version of the story. Books by Jan Padgett The Reluctant Deckhand by (author) Jan Padgett illustrated by Amanda Forbis Ages 8 to 11 Grades 3 to 6