Sail Away, Little Boat

by Janet Buell

A toy sailboat encounters a variety of animals as it journeys down a brook, to the river, and finally to the ocean.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Transport, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I haven't mentioned it lately, my opinion has not changed: I hate forced rhyme. This book would have been SO much better if it were written in lyrical prose.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poem on the book flap is the best part of this poem. The rest feels a little forced and I felt kind of bad for the kids who lost their boat! But it's a nice little journey down a waterway with an exploration of all the creatures that live along the way.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

With beautiful, vibrant pictures, this book reads like a lullaby. I think someone could easily put music to the rhymes. I thought the use of vocabulary was wonderful for a children's book and encouraged searching the page more closely.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun following the little boat down a brook, a river, an ocean, & into the arms of a new friend 😊 The wording has a good rhythm & the pictures of all the animals the boat passes were enjoyed 💜

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story that shows how a river connects to an ocean and the animals, insects, and plants that live along the way.

[Ariel Cummins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little toy boat is set free on a stream and floats by all kinds of forest life on his way to the ocean.

Really nice illustrations depict the vibrant life of the forest in large double-page spreads. The little boat's artificial red, yellow, and white really stand out against the natural pallet of blues, greens, and browns.

A sweet story told in verse, that could have use in a story time about the forest, or toys, or even the ocean. I'm not super on board with letting your toys go, though (littering isn't cool, y'all!). Could work for toddlers and up.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Words choice is a little difficult for this age range. but pictures can stand alone with adult reading to young one and talking about the action or ask what the child sees.
Age Range: 4 and up
Grade Level: Preschool and up

[Turrean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the language ("splish-splashy" frog chorus and the "whitewater yell" of the water) though I thought some of the rhyme was a bit forced. The book would work very well as part of discussion of habitats with young kids; the little boat travels from brook to river to oceanside.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

follows boat's journey from creek to ocean. shows child's view of boat, nature. one child launches boat and another finds it. bright and big pictures.

[Jess Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love illustrator's style, and also the concept of the story.

[Lyla]

A toy sailboat encounters a variety of animals as it journeys down a brook, to the river, and finally to the ocean.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry loved following the boat's journey, but was sad to see the boat in different hands at the end.

[Rebekah Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked to see the journey that the boat took. It was an adventure book about a boat. I liked how the illustrations were bright and interesting.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sailboat floats on down a river past otters, deer, and bear among other animals. It reaches the ocean where it makes some new friends and its journey continue.

[Hilary Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go to book for new moms. The illustrations are vibrantly colored and elicit great conversation, and the story is sweet and endearing.

[C.M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the pictures in this book.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about animals and habitats