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'Toy Boat'

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[July 02, 2008]  "Toy Boat," by Randall de Seve, illustrations by Loren Long, Philomel Books, 2007, 34 pages, ages 2-6 years.

Review by
Louella Moreland

"Toy Boat," a new picture book for young children, is a delight to the ear and eyes! This is such a simple story about a boy and his favorite toy who do everything together until the day the boat becomes adrift on the lake. The little boat is alone and frightened, just as any little boy would be without his constant companion. Of course, through the kindness of an "older, wiser" boat, the toy boat makes it safely back to the arms of the little boy.

A simple story, yes. An uncomplicated story, no! Randall de Seve uses words sparingly and precisely in the text. Each sentence and each phrase evokes strong emotion. Set into the vibrant, glowing illustrations of Loren Long, they become a combination of sound and sights that enchant readers of all ages.

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Quite honestly, I found myself "drinking in" every detail of each picture, whether a full two-page spread or the endpapers that contain all the pieces that made up this incredible little boat.

After rereading the book I became aware of one more effect the illustrator uses to help the reader better understand the story. The toy boat's adventure and transition uses full-page color. We see the toy boat as a "real" boat on these beautifully crafted pages. In contrast, the boat's "life" as a toy for the boy uses a white frame for the pictures, with text on a totally white page.

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The toy boat is especially touching since it is a homemade toy built of a tin can, pencil, cork, twigs and cloth. We can tell the little boy treasures it because he so obviously constructed it himself. The other boats the toy encounters on his adventure dwarf him, but each takes on the persona of its class, from the tired, working tugboat to the swift-moving sailboats that appear like birds flying across the page. Even the butter-colored moon in the night sky seems to be weeping as it gazes down at the small boat drifting alone on the dark lake water.

Last but not least, readers are engaged in the movement of each page. Wind and water blow, bounce, toss and drip with a clarity beyond reality and into dreams. Light reflects from surfaces that refuse to look two-dimensional on a page.

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Don't miss this quiet picture book. It is a prize worth spending time with, curled up with someone small to share its delight. Even if you lack children or grandchildren of your own, no matter what your age in years, catch this little treasure and remember the time when days were spent at a slow pace, being shared with your favorite toy.

To check out this book or other favorites, come visit us at Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St. We would love to help you find a new jewel in print.

[Text from file received from Louella Moreland, Lincoln Public Library District]

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