The Blue Canoe

Dad doesn't like to canoe so paddling out on the lake is a special bonding time for a young girl and her mother. One day as they boat around, the girl converses with her mother about how things might change when her baby brother arrives. She asks if her mother will be too busy to canoe with her. Her mother assures her that she will always love canoeing together. The girl asks what will happen if the baby doesn't like to canoe. Her mother explains how it is ok for people to have different interests, but the two of them like canoeing. If her new brother prefers not to boat on the lake, he may enjoy playing soccer with his big sister. The young girl becomes excited about all the things she will teach her brother and the joyful memories soon to come. McFarlane's story beautifully portrays the curiosity and nervousness children may feel when their new sibling is about to be born. They may worry about how their relationships with their parents could shift. However, through Aylesworth's soft illustrations and McFarlane's thoughtful storytelling, children understand that change can be good. In this case, the young girl will have another companion to join them on adventures! * Children's Literature *
A growing family is exciting, but for young children, this time can also bring anxiety. A little girl with a beloved stuffed bear in tow enjoys a “paddle-on-the-lake day” with her mother in their blue canoe. The girl is excited to become a big sister and eagerly tells her stuffed bear all the big-sister duties she will take up, such as helping put on a life jacket and how to safely board the canoe. But the girl’s excitement is mixed with feelings of trepidation. She worries that the canoe might not be safe for “coming-soon baby,” that her mother might be too tired or busy for their outings, that the baby
might not even like canoeing. The girl’s mother lovingly calms every worry. McFarlane incorporates important life lessons, such as “it’s OK for different people to like different things.” Poetic language throughout describes the abundant wildlife (e.g., “Lazy dragonflies sun on lily pads, and pond skaters skip across the water like miniature rowboats”). Aylesworth’s lush watercolor illustrations beautifully enhance McFarlane’s figurative phrasing, from the opening pages detailing a verdant water’s edge to a tender moment on the dock in a purple-hued twilight. The family theme is further reinforced as the girl encounters different animals in their family units, such as a mother mallard and her fuzzy ducklings. EMILY REID GREEN -- Emily Reid Green * The Horn Book *

The connection and celebrated ritual between a mother and young child is heartwarming in The Blue Canoe. With a new baby’s arrival pending, they paddle together and discuss the things that will change and more importantly, what will stay the same once the baby is here. Exploring the natural wonders, wildlife and local flora on the water, the young girl dreams of her new family member and the adventures they’ll have.

The story’s thoughtful language and peaceful illustrations are soothing and calming. This is a great book to offer reassurance to both older siblings and expectant parents that bonds will only strengthen as families grow.

-- Jenn Wint * Vancouver Mom *