Little Boat

With good friends and a sense of adventure, even the littlest boat can brave the big, scary unknown - that's the takeaway from this motivational book. Docherty seems more interested in delivering a self-esteem message (the sea is always changing and full of dangers, but I sail on...) than in engaging readers. Although Little Boat has very expressive eyes and his wheelhouse has a jaunty tilt, Docherty's compositions, which emphasize the boat's tinyness, prevent readers from making a deeper connection to the hero. His portrayal of the sea, however, makes it a character in its own right, and almost Melvillian - a dynamic force that is by turns violent (striations of red ink add a sinister edge), mythic (its peaks resemble an aquatic mountain range) and exuberant (bubbles surrounding the boat and his friends during a plunge into the deep are appropriately effervescent). The inspirational text and a strong, recurring circular design element give the book a grown-up quality-indeed, it may find its niche as a graduation gift. Ages 3-6. (May)

Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission

PreS-K  An intriguing porthole cut into this book's cover reveals an endpaper illustration of a little boat riding a wave. Searching for its marine animal friends, the tugboatlike craft travels on rolling waters, past sea monsters, and through treacherous rocks. Once the boat is reunited with its companions, the fun really begins. Large yellow eyes give the boat a likable appearance and plenty of action keeps the tale moving. The message is somewhat reminiscent of Watty Piper's The Little Engine That Could (Grosset & Dunlap, 1978) as the vessel never gives up. The descriptive, first-person narrative is creatively mingled with mood-setting watercolor and ink artwork. Illustrated endpapers allow readers to use their imaginations to continue the story. Teachers could use Docherty's book along with Kathy Henderson's The Little Boat (Candlewick, 1995; o.p.) and Janet Buell's Sail Away, Little Boat (Carolrhoda, 2006) for compare-and-contrast activities. A good choice for sailing-themed storytimes. - Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission