My Blue Boat [Library Binding]

Chris L. Demarest (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

A simple text and magical watercolors follow a little girl who, taking a bath, sets sail among fishing fleets, whales, and dolphins, until the beacon on shore signals her home.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bath time turns maritime in this seafaring saga spawned by a girl's active imagination. On the opening spread, she launches the eponymous craft in the tub; it "catches the wind" and sails into open waters for an event-filled voyage. Brief, straightforward sentences convey a wealth of action ("I dance with whales, play tag with dolphins, and steer through storms"), adroitly illustrated by Demarest's (My Little Red Car) sprawling, loosely rendered watercolors. Varied perspectives heighten the drama, while subtle variations in blues, greens and purples suggest the ocean's expanse, a star-filled sky, roiling seas and more. The reassuring conclusion finds the child asleep under the covers, her lighthouse-shaped bedside lamp mirroring the genuine article visible through her window (literal-minded youngsters, though, may wonder why she didn't return to her bath). Cozy enough for landlubbers, with sufficient adventure for incipient sailors. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?A young girl journeys by way of the bathtub into unfamiliar waters, crosses the sea, and sails back home again. The large, bold type describes the action as she glides over swells, through the channel, and drifts back toward a beacon, giving children an opportunity to learn some new vocabulary. This is an appealing lap book that youngsters may enjoy poring over. The expansive illustrations, done in bright watercolor and india ink, flow with the movement of the simple story line. The paintings display the beauty of an everchanging sky and sea as they change from dawn to dusk. While My Blue Boat is an enjoyable fantasy, the brilliant illustrations deserve a more substantial story to draw children into the adventure that's going on in the pages.?Kathy Mitchell, Gadsden Co. Public Library, Quincy, FL
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Library Binding
• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books (J); 1st edition (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152001778
• ISBN-13: 978-0152001773
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,368,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in the 1950s, Chris Demarest was influenced by both his parents' artist abilities. His mother once worked for the Walt Disney animation studios and his father was a life-long doodler. In the upstairs attic of his parents' house, Demarest's father escaped to draw pictures of airplanes. That passion led his father to join the US Army Air Force in WWII, flying the dangerous missions from India into China, referred to as 'the Hump".

Demarest spent most of his years in publishing doing a cartoon, light-hearted style, but tapped into his youth and began working on a series of adventure books. Firefighters A to Z became a NY Time Best Book 2000. Documenting more firefighting careers, USCG work and the Hurricane Hunters, Demarest does all his research first hand. In 2004, he flew with the Hurricane Hunters out of Biloxi Mississippi into Hurricane Ivan, a Cat 4 storm.

His latest book, ARLINGTON: A History of Arlington National Cemetery will be published by Roaring Brook Press, Fall 2010.

Contact info: [e-mail]
Website: http://www.pbase.com/chrisdemarest
603 460-3095

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter LOVES this book!, July 12, 2000

By 

Jan Rice - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Blue Boat (Paperback)

And so do I! The illustrations are beautiful and have inspired my 3 year old to paint "Big waves and a purple sky". We read this book again and again!

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book for young listeners, June 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: My Blue Boat (Paperback)

This beautifully illustrated book is a simple story of a girl's imaginary journey in her toy boat. The small amount of text on each page not only keeps kids interested, but encourages them to "Read" the story themsleves. My very active two year old will "read" this book aloud over and over. And better yet, she can't stop talking about boats and lighthouses. I highly reccommend this book.