The Raft -- Jim LaMarche, Paperback

Inspired in part by his own childhood, this gorgeous picture book from Jim LaMarche, the beloved illustrator of A Story for Bear and The Elves and the Shoemaker, tells the story of one stubborn boy's unexpectedly wonderful summer on the river.

This is an imagination-sparking story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world and the people in it, and about discovering and exploring one's own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, "This dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph." The author's note describes the similarities between his own life and the life of his protagonist.

Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn't like, there's an art studio where her living room should be, and he's expected to do chores--including fishing, the most boring chore ever.

But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art.

Author: Jim LaMarche
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Published: 05/28/2002
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 9.00h x 10.80w x 0.10d
ISBN: 9780064438568
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 41449 / Raft

Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Irma S. & James H. Black Award - Winner

Review Citation(s):
PW Notes and Reprints 06/03/2002 pg. 91
Publishers Weekly 06/03/2002