A boy builds a unique boat of his own with some help from his community in this new picture book by the critically acclaimed author of Alfie
Sal loves the water. All day, he thinks about it: being out there, just him and the waves, alone. More than anything else, he wants a boat. And he knows just what it would look like. So he decides to build it himself.
It isn’t long before everyone in town starts sharing advice. But Sal doesn’t need their help. He knows just what he’s building. And he does it! Except . . . he forgets one crucial detail—that no project, big or small, can be launched without a little help.
From the acclaimed author-illustrator of Alfie and How Do You Dance? comes a clever and heartfelt tale about creativity, collaboration, and how you don’t always have to be alone to be free.
PRAISE
**STARRED REVIEW**Kirkus Reviews—
"Along with effectively capturing the setting’s small-town feel in her watercolors, Heder depicts a light-skinned protagonist whose changing facial expressions and body language offer a positive study as he goes from intense, scowling concentration to delight, dismay, then despair, resignation, and, bit by bit, anger... A literally buoyant reminder that sometimes it takes a village."
**STARRED REVIEW**Publishers Weekly—
"In a film-worthy climax, Sal runs into a potentially tragic difficulty, and the diverse community of people that teased him before rallies to his rescue. Heder zooms in on the expressions that cross Sal’s face as he realizes his error: frustration, tearful despair, and resolve. Sal’s creation is the kind of inventive structure that beckons readers who daydream about adventure, and the resourceful realization of his vision offers deep satisfaction."
**STARRED REVIEW**Booklist—
"A lovely, luminous evening boat regatta concludes this thoughtful tale of imagination, determination, and community.
Thyra Heder is the author and illustrator of Fraidyzoo, The Bear Report, Alfie, and How Do You Dance? She is also a scenic designer and storyboard artist for film and advertising. She lives in Brooklyn.
Target Age: 4-8
Abrams Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: August 30, 2022
0.45" H x 11.24" L x 9.1" W
48 pages
hardcover