cover image River Parade

River Parade

Alexandra Day. Viking Children's Books, $12.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-670-82946-0

One blazingly hot summer day, a boy's father takes him for a boat ride on the river. At first, the youngster is a little frightened, but when some of his favorite toys fall into the water, they don't look scared at all. Father gently ties his son and three wooden toys to a tow-line and they all enjoy a cool swim, floating down the river as if in a parade. Shimmering with the summer heat, Day's watercolors are cool and inviting. In this simple, elegant picture book, her gentle, straightforward tale of father and son--and their participation in the delights of nature--becomes a joyous celebration of a happy day. Ages 3-8. (May)