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The Raft: A Heartwarming Picture Book About Nature and Art for Children
Inspired by various experiences from his childhood, Jim LaMarche, beloved illustrator of A Story for Bear and The Elves and the Shoemaker, brings this touching story about one boy's unexpected summer as a river rat to life with his bold, picturesque paintings.
Nicky isn't one bit happy about spending the summer with his grandma in the Wisconsin woods; he'd much rather be back in the city. He's not too thrilled about all the chores either—especially fishing. Before long, though, a raft appears in the nearby river, and it changes everything. As Nicky explores, the raft works a subtle magic on the obstinate young boy, opening up the wonders all around him: the animals of river and woods, his grandmother's humor and wisdom, and his own special talent as an artist.
This is a serene story about a summer in the woods, appreciating things—and people—in a whole new light, and discovering one's own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, "this dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph." A note from the author describes the similarities between LaMarche's and Nicky's life.
Supports the Common Core State Standards
Nicky isn't one bit happy about spending the summer with his grandma in the Wisconsin woods; he'd much rather be back in the city. He's not too thrilled about all the chores either—especially fishing. Before long, though, a raft appears in the nearby river, and it changes everything. As Nicky explores, the raft works a subtle magic on the obstinate young boy, opening up the wonders all around him: the animals of river and woods, his grandmother's humor and wisdom, and his own special talent as an artist.
This is a serene story about a summer in the woods, appreciating things—and people—in a whole new light, and discovering one's own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, "this dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph." A note from the author describes the similarities between LaMarche's and Nicky's life.
Supports the Common Core State Standards
40 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2000
11 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Jim LaMarche
33 books43 followersJim LaMarche is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, including Dennis Haseley’s A Story for Bear; The Carousel by Liz Rosenberg; The Rainbabies by Laura Krauss Melmed; and Albert by Donna Jo Napoli. He is the author-illustrator of The Raft. Jim LaMarche grew up in Wisconsin and now lives in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
May 26, 2010
Perhaps 1 in 10 books at the most touch me deeply to my core. This is one of them.
It’s a beautiful book, both in appearance and in its message/story.
I adore the illustrations. The story is about a boy (the author makes it clear that this is a book about himself as a youngster) who is left with his grandmother for the summer. She lives on the river and is an artist. The boy is unhappy at first, no other kids, no tv, and he has to do chores. But, he finds a raft and ends up experiencing a magical summer, and he discovers the artist in himself too.
The boy and his grandmother are both very appealing characters, as are all the wild animals he sees and interacts with. I love how the boy is allowed to go out in the raft alone and is encouraged to be independent in so many ways; the grandmother is a fabulous mentor.
This is a gorgeous book. It’s a book that I wish I owned vs. borrowed from the library, and one I can see giving as a gift. It’s a keeper!
It’s a beautiful book, both in appearance and in its message/story.
I adore the illustrations. The story is about a boy (the author makes it clear that this is a book about himself as a youngster) who is left with his grandmother for the summer. She lives on the river and is an artist. The boy is unhappy at first, no other kids, no tv, and he has to do chores. But, he finds a raft and ends up experiencing a magical summer, and he discovers the artist in himself too.
The boy and his grandmother are both very appealing characters, as are all the wild animals he sees and interacts with. I love how the boy is allowed to go out in the raft alone and is encouraged to be independent in so many ways; the grandmother is a fabulous mentor.
This is a gorgeous book. It’s a book that I wish I owned vs. borrowed from the library, and one I can see giving as a gift. It’s a keeper!
November 26, 2019
When he must spend the summer with his grandmother - an artist who is a self-described "river rat" - Nikki is sure that he will have nothing to do. But he soon finds that life in the country is anything but boring, and when he discovers a raft on the nearby river, decorated with beautiful pictures of the local animals, a wonderful time of discovery begins. Alone, or in the company of Grandma, Nikki explores the river - poling upriver, drifting down, observing and interacting with the wildlife, swimming, and discovering a new talent for drawing. By the end of the summer, Nikki has something to add to the raft...
This wonderful story really resonated with me, reminding me of summer vacations up at the lake, at my grandparents' summer home in Michigan. The cool of the woods, the beauty of the water, the peaceful quiet of the summer days and nights, the loving fellowship with Gran and Granddad - it all came rushing back! Jim Lamarche spins a magical tale of discovery and growth, of the love between grandparent and grandchild, and of the beauty of nature. His illustrations are simply gorgeous, their use of light and color creating truly enchanting vistas. I'm so very glad my friend Kathryn recommended this one, as it is truly delightful, and I might otherwise have missed it! Highly recommended to all young artists and nature-lovers!
This wonderful story really resonated with me, reminding me of summer vacations up at the lake, at my grandparents' summer home in Michigan. The cool of the woods, the beauty of the water, the peaceful quiet of the summer days and nights, the loving fellowship with Gran and Granddad - it all came rushing back! Jim Lamarche spins a magical tale of discovery and growth, of the love between grandparent and grandchild, and of the beauty of nature. His illustrations are simply gorgeous, their use of light and color creating truly enchanting vistas. I'm so very glad my friend Kathryn recommended this one, as it is truly delightful, and I might otherwise have missed it! Highly recommended to all young artists and nature-lovers!
January 22, 2016
This is a lovely book. The coupling of a fine story and exquisite illustrations make this a book to buy for a children's illustrated book collection. There aren't enough words to describe the magic and beauty contained in this wonderful book!
Based on the author/illustrators childhood, the young boy is at an age when boredom feels overwhelmingly something to be avoided at all costs. When his father is busy with work, he asks his mother to watch the boy. Remembering fond memories of his childhood, the father hopes that his son will indeed have a magical summer.
Living in the woods, with nothing but a grandmother and some critters, the boy dreads the long summer. When he discovers a raft, he is no longer looking for things to fill the time. All types of animals, including many birds, turtles and playful otters are drawn to the raft. The boy notices paintings on the raft and studies the animal images.
Navigating through the water is a fine way to see creatures on the shore, such as a mamma dear and her fawn and a fox family.
When the boy rescues the fawn stuck in mud, he feels in touch with nature. Wisely the grandmother suspects that her grandson, like her, has artistic talents. Soon, he is sketching the animals and birds he notices.
Sleeping on the raft on a summer's eve is a magical experience. Summer goes by quickly, and there are lessons of talents to develop and love of a special grandmother, and finding a place with nature.
It is no wonder that I was drawn to this book. The illustrator wove his magic in other children's illustrated books I've read, some of them my favorite such as The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen and the Carpenter's Gift
Based on the author/illustrators childhood, the young boy is at an age when boredom feels overwhelmingly something to be avoided at all costs. When his father is busy with work, he asks his mother to watch the boy. Remembering fond memories of his childhood, the father hopes that his son will indeed have a magical summer.
Living in the woods, with nothing but a grandmother and some critters, the boy dreads the long summer. When he discovers a raft, he is no longer looking for things to fill the time. All types of animals, including many birds, turtles and playful otters are drawn to the raft. The boy notices paintings on the raft and studies the animal images.
Navigating through the water is a fine way to see creatures on the shore, such as a mamma dear and her fawn and a fox family.
When the boy rescues the fawn stuck in mud, he feels in touch with nature. Wisely the grandmother suspects that her grandson, like her, has artistic talents. Soon, he is sketching the animals and birds he notices.
Sleeping on the raft on a summer's eve is a magical experience. Summer goes by quickly, and there are lessons of talents to develop and love of a special grandmother, and finding a place with nature.
It is no wonder that I was drawn to this book. The illustrator wove his magic in other children's illustrated books I've read, some of them my favorite such as The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen and the Carpenter's Gift
October 2, 2009
Jim LaMarche's illustrations always strike me with their warmth, beauty and sense of "life." This story is a fictionalized account of the summer in his boyhood when his passion for art was kindled, by the river and its animal inhabitants and by his artist grandmother and the inspiration she allowed him simply by letting him be free. A beautiful story!
June 9, 2021
2021 summer reread- love it just as much!
2020: 3 year old and 5 year old loved this one!! Beautiful story. I edited out "stupid" in the read aloud. Advanced yet accessible vocabulary, beautiful illustrations that matched perfectly. Wonderful for kids and adults.
2020: 3 year old and 5 year old loved this one!! Beautiful story. I edited out "stupid" in the read aloud. Advanced yet accessible vocabulary, beautiful illustrations that matched perfectly. Wonderful for kids and adults.
July 27, 2022
This is a beautiful story of a boy spending a summer with his artist grandmother, learning about nature, and discovering his own hidden talents. With gorgeous illustrations by the author.
July 30, 2022
Nicky isn't thrilled to be spending an entire summer with his grandmother but soon finds a raft on the river behind her house and has the best summer.
Lots of text per page. Recommended for experienced readers or read-alouds.
Summer break.
Visiting Grandmother.
Outdoorsy fun.
Lots of text per page. Recommended for experienced readers or read-alouds.
Summer break.
Visiting Grandmother.
Outdoorsy fun.
August 17, 2013
This book was selected as one of the books for the August 2013 - Summer Outdoor Activities discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This is a wonderful tale of being outdoors, exploring and learning more about nature, and spending time with extended family. I am so, so happy that I brought this book on our summer vacation trip up north to visit our family. I read this book once with our youngest and her cousin and then again with our oldest (she fell asleep before we read it last night.) It was certainly worth a reread.
I love that the young boy wears a life jacket in many of the images (especially when he's alone and not tethered to the dock) which helps to reinforce the importance. Our girls grudgingly wear them when we go boating, so I appreciate the subtle reminder of their importance. Also, I love the focus on being outdoors (and not in front of a screen!)
The narrative is entertaining and full of the wonders of nature and we absolutely loved the illustrations. The story has a soothing, reminiscent quality about it that makes it seem like an old, familiar tale and it certainly deserves a rare five-star rating. We really enjoyed reading this book together and I'm glad that I discovered through the Children's Books Group.
This is a wonderful tale of being outdoors, exploring and learning more about nature, and spending time with extended family. I am so, so happy that I brought this book on our summer vacation trip up north to visit our family. I read this book once with our youngest and her cousin and then again with our oldest (she fell asleep before we read it last night.) It was certainly worth a reread.
I love that the young boy wears a life jacket in many of the images (especially when he's alone and not tethered to the dock) which helps to reinforce the importance. Our girls grudgingly wear them when we go boating, so I appreciate the subtle reminder of their importance. Also, I love the focus on being outdoors (and not in front of a screen!)
The narrative is entertaining and full of the wonders of nature and we absolutely loved the illustrations. The story has a soothing, reminiscent quality about it that makes it seem like an old, familiar tale and it certainly deserves a rare five-star rating. We really enjoyed reading this book together and I'm glad that I discovered through the Children's Books Group.
September 4, 2008
Another easy-going, laid back tale that makes me wish for a quieter time and place of life. I would have loved to have a summer like this, close to animals and being able to draw them. And with a grandmother that just somehow understands. The book might be too long for the Book Time, as far as fitting it into the time frame or even keeping their attention. But it is definitely worth a book talk if I can squeeze it in.
June 10, 2019
There are good books, books not meant for you, and then there are books that live within your soul for the rest of your days. This is one of the ones that will live in my soul. I am not sure what exactly it is. But this book... There are so many aspects that make this a beautiful book. The view from the child, the view from the Grandmother. The whole beauty of it. I hope it stirs someone else's soul as deeply as it does mine.
September 15, 2019
I'm a little biased because I guess I have become the River Rat Aunt, living on a river. But I know that my brother's kids will be able to relate and will have fun with this book. They enjoy nature and have participated on many of the activities. They love fishing. Its kind of a long and wordy story, so it is for older readers.
June 16, 2023
This is the sweetest story about a little boy’s summer visit to his grandma’s house on the river. Filled with beautiful artwork and memory. As a MiMi myself of the sweetest little Grandboy, I hope our adventures are always full of wonder and memory and special closeness.
February 9, 2024
Lovely illustrations. Go to your grandparents house. It may be the last summer of your childhood and who knows, maybe it will be fun?
November 27, 2025
Sweet story with beautiful illustrations. I love hearing about kids in nature and cool grandmas.
August 21, 2017
This is a faintly magical book with beautiful illustrations. The main character has a rough start and doesn't display the most admirable of behavior at first. Although this isn't really addressed, we do see a gradual transformation throughout the story, and a sweet ending. I love the story and the pictures.
I will note that some mysterious ability is attributed to the raft; it seems to have a calming effect on the wild creatures. This is pretty mild, but something to be aware of.
I will note that some mysterious ability is attributed to the raft; it seems to have a calming effect on the wild creatures. This is pretty mild, but something to be aware of.
August 25, 2013
I am drawn to books with art that just sidles up alongside the words, blending the tale into a visual feast as well as an auricular feast. "The Raft" is just that ... a fine story and wonderful art.
Nicky has to spend the summer with his grandmother, an artist living on a river. Nicky is not happy about having to be there away from his father. But he has no choice. He does chores for his grandmother and then begrudgingly heads off to fish or do some activity that she has set up for him. Before long, a raft comes to him on the river, and thus begins the summer of adventures for Nicky, He finds new worlds in nature, in art, in his grandmother. It's an especially fine story based on various real-life experiences of Mr. LaMarche's boyhood. He then gives them back to us in "The Raft". The drawings are soft and detailed of life on the river, Nicky up close and far off on the raft, animals drawn so beautifully real. They are done in a soft mixed-media paintings and are worth the slow reread just to look at every bird and fox and raccoon.
Awards for The Raft
Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature
Texas Bluebonnet Award 2002-2003 finalist
An IRA Teachers' Choice
IRA/CBC Teachers' Choice
Reading Level: 4 - 8 Years
Jim LaMarche wrote and illustrated The Raft. He also illustrated Little Oh and The Rainbabies, both by Laura Krauss Melmed. He lives in Santa Cruz, California.
His biography is @ HarperCollins:
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com...
Mr. LaMarche ends with: "I feel very lucky to have ended up as an illustrator of children's books. And maybe that isn't so different from my childhood dream of being a magician after all. Starting with a clean sheet of paper and with nothing up my sleeves, I get to create something that was never there before."
Nicky has to spend the summer with his grandmother, an artist living on a river. Nicky is not happy about having to be there away from his father. But he has no choice. He does chores for his grandmother and then begrudgingly heads off to fish or do some activity that she has set up for him. Before long, a raft comes to him on the river, and thus begins the summer of adventures for Nicky, He finds new worlds in nature, in art, in his grandmother. It's an especially fine story based on various real-life experiences of Mr. LaMarche's boyhood. He then gives them back to us in "The Raft". The drawings are soft and detailed of life on the river, Nicky up close and far off on the raft, animals drawn so beautifully real. They are done in a soft mixed-media paintings and are worth the slow reread just to look at every bird and fox and raccoon.
Awards for The Raft
Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature
Texas Bluebonnet Award 2002-2003 finalist
An IRA Teachers' Choice
IRA/CBC Teachers' Choice
Reading Level: 4 - 8 Years
Jim LaMarche wrote and illustrated The Raft. He also illustrated Little Oh and The Rainbabies, both by Laura Krauss Melmed. He lives in Santa Cruz, California.
His biography is @ HarperCollins:
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com...
Mr. LaMarche ends with: "I feel very lucky to have ended up as an illustrator of children's books. And maybe that isn't so different from my childhood dream of being a magician after all. Starting with a clean sheet of paper and with nothing up my sleeves, I get to create something that was never there before."
January 31, 2013
This is a beautiful book that shares the wonder of nature. With so many children shunning playing outdoors in favor of videogames and social network, this is a peaceful and engaging reminder of what lies just beyond the backdoor.
Veg*n parents will probably cringe at the fact that the story opens with numerous references to fishing, mounted fish on the cabin wall, and eating fish. However, the real adventure begins when the boy puts down his fishing pole and sails out on a raft, suggesting that nature can be even more wondrous when enjoyed through non-consumptive observation.
Veg*n parents will probably cringe at the fact that the story opens with numerous references to fishing, mounted fish on the cabin wall, and eating fish. However, the real adventure begins when the boy puts down his fishing pole and sails out on a raft, suggesting that nature can be even more wondrous when enjoyed through non-consumptive observation.
October 12, 2011
One of the best children books I have ever read, if not the best. The illustrations were amazing in this book. A perfect book for younger children who love animals and adventure. A great story about a boy and a summer with his grandmother at her lake house. There are endless ways in which you could build lessons about nature, animals, rivers, art, and family. So glad I found this book, only if I wish I would have found this book during my childhood.
September 26, 2007
A boy goes to spend the summer with his grandmother, and finds a raft with animals drawn on the surface. It's his grandmother's, and she gives him some charcoal and paints to create his own animal portraits. I love the watercolor art with lots of warm browns, and all the animals. This is the kind of book I want to climb into and live in for awhile.
October 8, 2013
This is so beautifully illustrated that it makes me wish I could go float down a river tomorrow...and that I could provide that type of outdoor/nature summer for my kids. So beautiful and peaceful. I love that it is loosely based on the author's own experiences. I've had this checked out for weeks from the library and never opened it. So glad I finally did.
May 9, 2012
Luke and I both agreed that this is a 5-star kind of a book. Its also a pure Lukey kind of a book - all about a boy who discovers a love for nature and for drawing. Gorgeous illustrations and a very charming story. Luke wants to use his allowance to purchase this one for his library.
August 30, 2015
What a wonderful story! My kids and I all loved this book about a young boy who reluctantly goes to spend a summer with his grandma. During his time there, he discovers a love of nature, adventure, art, and of course his Grandma!
November 17, 2013
My favorite part of this book is that we're never told where the raft comes from. But we know.
September 6, 2013
This book is a true delight and the perfect summer story. I feel like I've traveled along the river. The artwork is beautiful...just really loved this book!
November 19, 2015
I ❤ this book. A true lover of nature! Kiley read this with me tonight for her reading challenge.
November 28, 2016
Absolutely beautiful book and a wonderful story. We all loved it.
December 17, 2016
What a wonderful summer. Reminds me of the exploring my boys did in Oregon.
Read with Naomi & Simon.
Read with Naomi & Simon.
April 10, 2017
my kiddos loved this one!
June 30, 2015
Absolutely gorgeous (story AND illustrations). Highly recommend. Great book for boys.
November 1, 2017
Nicky is going to be staying the whole summer with his grandmother who lives beside a river in the northern Wisconsin woods because his dad has to spend all his time working at a plant. The boy just knows that he is going to be bored. There are no kids around to play with, and Grandma doesn’t even own a television. But she does have chores for Nicky to do, including fishing for supper, which is the worst chore ever. However, one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. He is able to stop it and tie it up to the dock. Grandma lets him play on the raft and even sleep in a tent on it when the summer nights are too hot to stay indoors. Sometimes she goes swimming with him off the raft.
Every day Nicky rushes through his chores to get to the raft. During his summer adventures on the river, he sees foxes, a huge buck, a great blue heron, otters, and raccoons. But from where did the raft come? To whom does it belong? And on the last day of his stay, when he sees a fawn which is trying to cross the water and gets stuck in the mud, is there anything that he can do to help? This picture book, which was recommended to me back in 2003, was inspired in part by the author’s own childhood. A note by LaMarche, the illustrator of A Story for Bear and The Elves and the Shoemaker, describes the similarities between his own youth and that of Nicky.
The Raft is a lovely, imaginative story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world accompanied by gorgeous pastel pictures of a wonderful summer on the river. Some over-protective killjoys might feel that what Grandma lets Nicky do is unsafe, but I think that it is nice to see how she quietly allows him to discover for himself the wonders of river life without being pushy. Kids can just relax with a slow, leisurely read about boy visiting his grandmother for the summer and experiencing excitement on the river while enjoying his encounters with the wildlife.
Every day Nicky rushes through his chores to get to the raft. During his summer adventures on the river, he sees foxes, a huge buck, a great blue heron, otters, and raccoons. But from where did the raft come? To whom does it belong? And on the last day of his stay, when he sees a fawn which is trying to cross the water and gets stuck in the mud, is there anything that he can do to help? This picture book, which was recommended to me back in 2003, was inspired in part by the author’s own childhood. A note by LaMarche, the illustrator of A Story for Bear and The Elves and the Shoemaker, describes the similarities between his own youth and that of Nicky.
The Raft is a lovely, imaginative story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world accompanied by gorgeous pastel pictures of a wonderful summer on the river. Some over-protective killjoys might feel that what Grandma lets Nicky do is unsafe, but I think that it is nice to see how she quietly allows him to discover for himself the wonders of river life without being pushy. Kids can just relax with a slow, leisurely read about boy visiting his grandmother for the summer and experiencing excitement on the river while enjoying his encounters with the wildlife.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews