Out Into the Big Wide Lake
by Paul Harbridge (Author) Josée Bisaillon (Illustrator)
An empowering and necessary picture book about a young girl with Down syndrome who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents.
It's Kate's first time visiting her grandparents on her own at their lakeside home. She's nervous but excited at the adventure ahead.
She helps her grandfather with his grocery deliveries by boat, where she meets all the neighbors, including a very grumpy old man named Walter. And she makes best friends with her grandparents' dog, Parbuckle.
Her grandmother even teaches her to pilot the boat all by herself!
When her grandfather takes ill suddenly, it's up to Kate -- but can she really make all those deliveries, even to grumpy old Walter? She has to try!
Based on the author's sister, Kate is a lovable, brave, smart and feisty character who will capture your heart in this gorgeous and moving story about facing fears and gaining independence.
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School Library Journal
Gr 1-3--Kate is working on being a big girl, so when her grandmother comes and invites her to stay at her house on the lake, Kate and her mother are a little worried she won't be able to do all the things her mother did when she was Kate's age. But Kate's grandparents are patient and teach her to sail a boat and deliver groceries to people around the lake. Kate even makes friends with the grumpy man who lives at the end of the lake. It's not obvious from the illustrations or the text of the story, but in the author's note, readers learn Kate's character is based on the author's sister who has Down syndrome. It's a nice story about someone dealing with a learning difference, although addressed quietly. The art is nicely rendered in mixed media with a folk art feel to it, which is a good match for the story. VERDICT A nice story about persistence and a supportive family, for larger collections.--Debbie Tanner, S. D. Spady Montessori Elem., FL
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Nominated for the 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for Young People's Literature — Illustrated Books
One of CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2021 — Starred Pick "A heartening Canadian picture book with an emotionally resonant ending." —STARRED REVIEW, Booklist "For many readers, especially the adults reading this book to young listeners, Out Into the Big Wide Lake will probably bring back good memories of times spent over their summers." —CM: Canadian Review of Materials Colourful mixed-media ilustrations add visual appeal to this heartwarming story, and manage to capture the outdoor joys of summer vacation. —PostMedia "Josée Bisaillon's artwork is swoonworthy. It wowed me right from the start." —Library Matters "Out Into the Big Wide Lake is extraordinarily sensitive and beautiful, and Kate is an unforgettable character." —Imaginary Elevators
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV039150 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Special Needs
Grandparents
Grandparent and child
Boats and boating
Autonomy
Children with Down syndrome
