We’re All in the Same Boat

Saltzberg offers a comedic take on a fable-like situation: a goat, a pig, a cat, and a dog set off in a rowboat together. What follows is a series of questions in the first-person plural that present differing scenarios, with an answer provided, a page turn later, in an eye-catching collective speech bubble. “What happens when someone rocks the boat?” one spread asks, showing the grinning goat standing on the stern and waving its oar in the air. A page turn later—“WE ALL GET SEASICK!”—each of the animals (goat included) are shown leaning over the craft’s side with green-tinged cheeks. Soon, however, the group learns to work together, allowing them to survive through a boat leak, a rainstorm, and more. Sequential ink-lined art against simple washes features expressive animals, lending a lighthearted feel to this teamwork-affirming picture book. Ages 2–8. (Sept.)