Ready, Set, Sail!

A roly-poly turtle and a take-charge tiger make for enthusiastic boaters in this cheery rhyming exploration of sailing. With their life jackets zipped and compass in hand, the two discover an island, swim among welcoming sea creatures (even the toothy shark looks friendly), and spot a purple whale. Turtle’s physical antics will make readers smile: the rookie of the duo, he slips when the boat tips and later ducks into his shell when the boom swings around. As the sky turns pink, they call it a day, but not before heading to town to recount their adventures to a group of eager listeners. Reprising the reader-directed verse of her construction-themed Ready, Set, Build!, Fleming offers budding sailors a beginners’ course in seamanship, filling the book with boating lingo and lessons: “Mainsheet flutters. Catch that gale./ Want it faster? Trim the sail!” Using layers of color and crayonlike detailing, Flowers mirrors Fleming’s easygoing rhymes with bright, lively scenes that reflect both the hard work that goes into sailing and the fun to be had. Ages 4–8. [em]Author’s agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (Mar.) [/em]