Sail

Weathered and sun-bleached hues of blue, gray, and green set the stage for extended metaphor of sailing a ship through “life’s adventurous tale.” A young white child sailor leaves shore in search of adventure and newness, charting a course as the text reads, “Follow your heart. Use the wind’s force.” When rough seas rock the boat, the book offers new guidance: “And if you ever do fall in,/ it’s time to try your best to swim.” As the child dips a head below the water, a shimmering rainbow world of wondrous creatures awaits. The supportive voice and message about learning seems at odds with the book’s portrayal of mortal peril, but readers can almost feel the ocean spray as they turn pages depicting the wild open sea. Ages 4–8. [em](Mar.) [/em]