Jonathan And The Big Blue Boat (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
Collage and acrylic illustrations rely on images from the author/illustrator's personal collection of stamps of boats and ships, combining for intricate, layered pages. After Jonathan's parents trade his beloved stuffed bear for a toaster, he determinedly embarks on a quest to find his friend. Along the way, be picks up many other friends and has interesting adventures. His loyalty toward his stuffed companion touched me. I liked the language in the book and the illustrations, but I couldn't get past my annoyance at his parents' cavalier treatment of his toy or the odd ending. Children may not have the same concerns that I had, though. Jonathan, a little boy who has lost his best friend Fredrick, who is a teddy bear. Jonathan and Fredrick always went to the dock to see the Big Blue Boat everyday, but after Fredrick is lost Jonathan decides use the Big Blue Boat to find him. We follow Jonathan on his adventure to find Fredrick and on his journey he meets and makes new friends who help him. This is a good picture book to read aloud that contains sequencing for grades pre-k-3rd. It is also a good book for 1st-3rd grade to read on their own.
What do You think about Jonathan And The Big Blue Boat (2011)?
I loved this book -- the adventure, fantasy, colors, collages, repetition of phrases and fun of it.
—bookLover4824
Too many different art mediums used, so it feels a bit muddy to me. Wouldn't give it my vote.
—cindy
My 3-yo son loved the story. I loved the mixed media illustrations. Win-win.
—zburatorul
