The Raft

by Jim LaMarche

On Sale: 04/05/2000

The Raft

by Jim LaMarche

illustrated by Jim LaMarche

On Sale: 04/05/2000

Format:

IRA/CBC Teachers' Choice

Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature

Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

About the Book

This gorgeous picture book celebrates the wonders of summer adventures, imagination, and the natural world.

Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn’t like, there’s an art studio where her living room should be, and he’s expected to do chores—including fishing, the most boring chore ever.

But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art.

This is an imagination-sparking story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world and the people in it, and about discovering and exploring one’s own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, “This dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph.” The author’s note describes the similarities between Jim LaMarche's own life and the life of his protagonist.

Critical Praise

“The luminous illustrations evoke a magical aura.” — The Horn Book

“The sunlight on the dock and in Grandma’s cottage and the moonlight and dawn on the river are rendered with particular grace, while the figures of the animals are lively and direct.” — ALA Booklist

“This dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph.” — School Library Joumal

“Exquisitely rendered pastel drawings.” — Publishers Weekly

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Product Details

  • ISBN: 9780688139773
  • ISBN 10: 0688139779
  • Imprint: HarperCollins
  • On Sale: 04/05/2000
  • Pages: 40
  • List Price:24.99 CAD
  • Ages: 4 to 8
  • BISAC1 : JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Water Sports
  • BISAC2 : JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
  • BISAC3 : JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
  • BISAC4 : JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World / Environment

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