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Who Sank the Boat?
A charmingly funny read-aloud that asks an important "Who sank the boat?"
Beside the sea, there once lived a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig, and a tiny little mouse. They were good friends, and one warm, sunny morning, for no particular reason, they decided to go for a row in the bay. Do you know who sank the boat?
“The idea is funny, the pictures are splendid, and the easy text is just right for the very young.”— The New Yorker
“A bright, brisk tale, simply told, illustrated by cheerful, comical pictures.”— The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Beside the sea, there once lived a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig, and a tiny little mouse. They were good friends, and one warm, sunny morning, for no particular reason, they decided to go for a row in the bay. Do you know who sank the boat?
“The idea is funny, the pictures are splendid, and the easy text is just right for the very young.”— The New Yorker
“A bright, brisk tale, simply told, illustrated by cheerful, comical pictures.”— The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
25 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Allen
111 books86 followersPamela Kay Allen MNZM AM, born in 1934 in Devonport, New Zealand, is a celebrated children's author and illustrator.
Since the release of her first book, Mr. Archimedes' Bath, in 1980, she has written and illustrated over 50 picture books, selling over five million copies. Renowned for works like Who Sank the Boat?.
Allen has received numerous accolades, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award and the Margaret Mahy Medal. Her books have been adapted for the stage and are beloved worldwide. Now residing in Auckland, she remains an icon in children's literature.
Since the release of her first book, Mr. Archimedes' Bath, in 1980, she has written and illustrated over 50 picture books, selling over five million copies. Renowned for works like Who Sank the Boat?.
Allen has received numerous accolades, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award and the Margaret Mahy Medal. Her books have been adapted for the stage and are beloved worldwide. Now residing in Auckland, she remains an icon in children's literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
March 21, 2017
Indy loved reading this at grandma's. who sank the boat? Was it big fat donkey? The cheeky pig? The knitting sheep? A fun shorty easy read.
February 16, 2018
A great favourite on my bookshelf.
January 12, 2022
You might be surprised when the culprit is revealed in this classic tale of nautical disaster, and mayhem.
And, tsk, tsk . . . where are their life jackets?
And, tsk, tsk . . . where are their life jackets?
February 27, 2022
عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: چه کسی قایق را غرق کرد؟
June 19, 2025
Tried to close the book before finishing. Solid but 4 stars.
January 12, 2021
A lovely little book for our family read.
May 1, 2012
Who sank the boat, is one of my personal all-time favourite children’s book. The book tells the story of a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig and tiny little mouse who decide to go for a row in the bay. The end question being, who sank the boat? This book is illustrated beautifully throughout the story and allows children to make predictions on who they believe sank the boat. The book also uses poetry which I found to really engage the children and this gives the book a unique edge. I would highly recommend this story for KS1 children, and I would personally use the story to introduce the topic of sinking and floating to children.
July 20, 2017
My son picked this out telling me his teacher reads it. He's developing a real passion for reading which makes me very happy. I have to say though, this did very little for me. The story is engaging enough but I really disliked the visual style - the animals look grotesque. I can see why it's a classic but I like my illustrated books to have more style. I did quite like that final page though.
August 14, 2024
My 3yo son was captivated from the beginning. He loved to try
and guess who sunk the boat and had great time playing spot the difference on the first and last illustrated pages. Have since read this book 3 times in the space of 2 days and have found someone who does an audiobook for this on Spotify. Phew.
and guess who sunk the boat and had great time playing spot the difference on the first and last illustrated pages. Have since read this book 3 times in the space of 2 days and have found someone who does an audiobook for this on Spotify. Phew.
September 16, 2020
A fun book that offers the chance for interaction. The reader is periodically asked questions about who sunk the boat. Could be used as a reading book in ks1 or even to help teach balance in maths as the weight of the donkey balances that of the cow.
December 25, 2018
A throwback to my childhood I now get to read to my daughter.
April 29, 2019
The iceberg sank the boat
January 28, 2020
You had to see that coming...
January 26, 2015
"Who Sank thee Boat?" by Pamela Allen is a creative children's book that relates the tale of a cow, a horse, a pig, a sheep, and a mouse and their simple journey of getting into a rowboat. However, as the title indicates, something goes wrong, and the boat sinks. The enjoyment of reading mainly comes from seeing the story unfold as first the cow, then the horse and the rest of the animals precariously perch on the small craft. Obviously, as the mouse mounts, the ship sinks. Full of fun illustrations, this book is a wonderful introduction (or reinforcement) for children to the concept of irony, and may also be used to promoted discussion or even debate about who actually sank the boat.
I very much appreciated how color was used to promote the theme of the book. Each of the animals has their own specific color: yellow for the cow, brown for the donkey, pink for the pig, black for the sheep, and white for the mouse. Even Mr. Peffer has a color, whose appearence is excluded from the book except for the brief mention of him on the second page. His color is red, made manifest in the roof of his house as well as in the boat. These colors actually serve to distract the reader from the important role that the mouse plays. Being white, he is lost in the white background as cow, donkey, and pig enter the boat. As sheep gets on, one does see mouse against the green background, but is distracted by the heavy focus of color on the opposite side of the page. This prepares the reader to enjoy more fully enjoy mouse's grand leap into the boat, and the subsequent shipwreck. The author's use of color prevents the readers from the possible onset of boredom that may come from knowing the book's end from the beginning.
The visual and verbal contrasts that are presented also help the book be more entertaining. As the first four animals enter one sees a pattern develop, where one animal boards the boat, sending it into tips-turvy chaos, and the next boards quickly in order to bring balance to the almost capsising vessel. Visual cues, such as the animals' wild expressions as the boat tips or their peaceful, almost casual expresions that are manifest in the calm periods bring this contrast to life. Word choice such as "tilted", "din", and "flutter" do the same when used alongside "balanced", "sit", and "knit" (which is a calm word because most readers young or old will associate knitting with calm and silent sitting). It all comes to a head when mouse jumps. The words on the page "last to get in" and "lightest of all" imply two different outcomes, the former implying that he will sink the boat and the latter implying that he is too light to do so. In this moment all action freezes and we are presentedd with the tense scene of the tiny mouse inches above the uncertain or even befuddled elxpresions of his friends. Neither in calm nor in complete panic, the scene lets the reader almost hope that mouse does not sink the boat, all the while knowing that the inevitable must happen. Of, course, as we turn the page, all of the animals are thrown wildly into the lake.
These visual and verbal elements help the reader enjoy this book not only once, but again and again by distracting them from the know ending and treating them to an exciting, yet small, adventure.
I very much appreciated how color was used to promote the theme of the book. Each of the animals has their own specific color: yellow for the cow, brown for the donkey, pink for the pig, black for the sheep, and white for the mouse. Even Mr. Peffer has a color, whose appearence is excluded from the book except for the brief mention of him on the second page. His color is red, made manifest in the roof of his house as well as in the boat. These colors actually serve to distract the reader from the important role that the mouse plays. Being white, he is lost in the white background as cow, donkey, and pig enter the boat. As sheep gets on, one does see mouse against the green background, but is distracted by the heavy focus of color on the opposite side of the page. This prepares the reader to enjoy more fully enjoy mouse's grand leap into the boat, and the subsequent shipwreck. The author's use of color prevents the readers from the possible onset of boredom that may come from knowing the book's end from the beginning.
The visual and verbal contrasts that are presented also help the book be more entertaining. As the first four animals enter one sees a pattern develop, where one animal boards the boat, sending it into tips-turvy chaos, and the next boards quickly in order to bring balance to the almost capsising vessel. Visual cues, such as the animals' wild expressions as the boat tips or their peaceful, almost casual expresions that are manifest in the calm periods bring this contrast to life. Word choice such as "tilted", "din", and "flutter" do the same when used alongside "balanced", "sit", and "knit" (which is a calm word because most readers young or old will associate knitting with calm and silent sitting). It all comes to a head when mouse jumps. The words on the page "last to get in" and "lightest of all" imply two different outcomes, the former implying that he will sink the boat and the latter implying that he is too light to do so. In this moment all action freezes and we are presentedd with the tense scene of the tiny mouse inches above the uncertain or even befuddled elxpresions of his friends. Neither in calm nor in complete panic, the scene lets the reader almost hope that mouse does not sink the boat, all the while knowing that the inevitable must happen. Of, course, as we turn the page, all of the animals are thrown wildly into the lake.
These visual and verbal elements help the reader enjoy this book not only once, but again and again by distracting them from the know ending and treating them to an exciting, yet small, adventure.
February 3, 2013
Book 2, Day 2 - Mini Family Classics from News Limited.
First published in 1982.
32 pages
Pamela Allen is both author and illustrator.
"Who Sank the Boat" won the Gaelyn Gordon Award in 2001, an annual award for a work of fiction by a living author, that is still in print, and is "generally recongnised as a successful, enduring children's book". Pamela Allen herself received the Margaret Mahy Award in 2004 as "a person who has made a significant contribution to the broad field of children's literature and literacy".
Originally from Devonport, New Zealand, Allen became a much-loved "Australian" author after moving to Australia in 1980 and publishing over 30 picture books. She has since returned to Auckland, New Zealand where she continues to produce her picture books.
So what makes this a good children's picture book?
- Well, good pictures for a start. They are humorus, intelligent, vibrant. The characters are approachable, and more - the sheep knits, the pig has a parasol.
- The text is repetitive and predictable - encouraging the child to engage with the narrative and explore "reading". It also rhymes and has a nice easy rhythm - again encouraging all those good literacy things.
- There's a little science with your picture book. Weights, increments, floating. Learn something while laughing.
- It's fun and easy to read. It engages both reader and listener to enjoy, participate, and *laugh*.
This is a truly lovely story. My daughter read it happily to her toddler cousins and they were all joining in with the repetition. She was able to engage them in the story telling. Not bad for a 6 year old.
Other helpful links
- Activities from The Little Big Book Club .com.au for toddlers. How to make more from the book including making, reading, enquiring.
- Pamela Allen website.
- An interview with Pamela Allen by Christchurch City Libraries.
- "Who Sank the Boat" was performed as part of an anthology of 8 Pamela Allen stories by Patch Theatre Company.
Age (taking into account comprehension, concentration, language):
Read aloud - 1+
Read yourself - 6+ (first reader using predictive reading).
(ISBN 9327014001160)
First published in 1982.
32 pages
Pamela Allen is both author and illustrator.
"Who Sank the Boat" won the Gaelyn Gordon Award in 2001, an annual award for a work of fiction by a living author, that is still in print, and is "generally recongnised as a successful, enduring children's book". Pamela Allen herself received the Margaret Mahy Award in 2004 as "a person who has made a significant contribution to the broad field of children's literature and literacy".
Originally from Devonport, New Zealand, Allen became a much-loved "Australian" author after moving to Australia in 1980 and publishing over 30 picture books. She has since returned to Auckland, New Zealand where she continues to produce her picture books.
So what makes this a good children's picture book?
- Well, good pictures for a start. They are humorus, intelligent, vibrant. The characters are approachable, and more - the sheep knits, the pig has a parasol.
- The text is repetitive and predictable - encouraging the child to engage with the narrative and explore "reading". It also rhymes and has a nice easy rhythm - again encouraging all those good literacy things.
- There's a little science with your picture book. Weights, increments, floating. Learn something while laughing.
- It's fun and easy to read. It engages both reader and listener to enjoy, participate, and *laugh*.
This is a truly lovely story. My daughter read it happily to her toddler cousins and they were all joining in with the repetition. She was able to engage them in the story telling. Not bad for a 6 year old.
Other helpful links
- Activities from The Little Big Book Club .com.au for toddlers. How to make more from the book including making, reading, enquiring.
- Pamela Allen website.
- An interview with Pamela Allen by Christchurch City Libraries.
- "Who Sank the Boat" was performed as part of an anthology of 8 Pamela Allen stories by Patch Theatre Company.
Age (taking into account comprehension, concentration, language):
Read aloud - 1+
Read yourself - 6+ (first reader using predictive reading).
(ISBN 9327014001160)
June 3, 2023
I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/se-donelle-4...
https://numberoneboats.com/donelle-43...
https://theboatyacht.com/used-regulat...
https://numberoneboats.com/used-regul...
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/se-donelle-4...
https://numberoneboats.com/donelle-43...
https://theboatyacht.com/used-regulat...
https://numberoneboats.com/used-regul...
March 12, 2022
Science.
Before You Read
Show children the cover of Who Sank the Boat? Point to the question mark and tell children that the mark means the words are asking a question. Read the title aloud. Then ask,
What do you think the book will be about?
Do you think we will find out the answer to the question, “Who sank the boat?”
Set a listening focus for children by asking them to notice and think about why the boat sinks further into the water each time an animal gets in.
As You Read
Read slowly, with rhythm and expression. Hold the book so everyone can see the pages as you read.
Encourage children to chant the repetitive question, “Do you know who sank the boat?”
Use the illustrations to clarify the meanings of unfamiliar words such as bay, bow and knit.
Pause on the illustration of the cow sitting in the boat and ask, Why do you think one end of the boat is sinking and not the other end?
Pause on the illustration of the pig getting in the boat. Ask, What do you think will happen if the pig tilts the boat more?
Pause on the last illustration. Ask, What is happening to the boat? Why is that happening?
After You Read
Help children understand that as the boat got fuller it got lower in the water, and finally the little mouse added that last bit of weight that caused the boat to sink. Ask questions such as,
If the mouse was already in the boat and the cow got in last, do you think the boat would still sink? Why do you think that?
Do you think the boat would sink if the little mouse didn’t get in at all? Why do you think that?
Before You Read
Show children the cover of Who Sank the Boat? Point to the question mark and tell children that the mark means the words are asking a question. Read the title aloud. Then ask,
What do you think the book will be about?
Do you think we will find out the answer to the question, “Who sank the boat?”
Set a listening focus for children by asking them to notice and think about why the boat sinks further into the water each time an animal gets in.
As You Read
Read slowly, with rhythm and expression. Hold the book so everyone can see the pages as you read.
Encourage children to chant the repetitive question, “Do you know who sank the boat?”
Use the illustrations to clarify the meanings of unfamiliar words such as bay, bow and knit.
Pause on the illustration of the cow sitting in the boat and ask, Why do you think one end of the boat is sinking and not the other end?
Pause on the illustration of the pig getting in the boat. Ask, What do you think will happen if the pig tilts the boat more?
Pause on the last illustration. Ask, What is happening to the boat? Why is that happening?
After You Read
Help children understand that as the boat got fuller it got lower in the water, and finally the little mouse added that last bit of weight that caused the boat to sink. Ask questions such as,
If the mouse was already in the boat and the cow got in last, do you think the boat would still sink? Why do you think that?
Do you think the boat would sink if the little mouse didn’t get in at all? Why do you think that?
January 25, 2018
This is an award winning book by the New Zealand’s writer and illustrator Pamela Allen. This is a very short story (around 25 pages inclusive of full picture pages) with a very simple storyline that can easily be understood by younger toddlers. Little-AJ loves it (probably because he is obsessed with looking at animals).
5 animals decided to go out for a row in the bay one day: a cow, a donkey, a knitting sheep, a pig with an umbrella, and a tiny mouse. One by one, they jumped / dived / stepped into the boat, and we are asked to predict “who sank the boat”. Spoiler alert: the boat sank when the final and tiniest animal jumped in and held onto the oar. The mouse was the only one that stayed dry in the end.
There was nothing too spectacular about the storyline or the illustrations, but it sure is a fun story that can keep young toddlers engaged till the end. This is a book that can be read to preschool/ older kids too, and provide a good opportunity for parents/ teachers to discuss about weight, balancing, measurement, physics, concept of floating and sinking etc.
Full review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
5 animals decided to go out for a row in the bay one day: a cow, a donkey, a knitting sheep, a pig with an umbrella, and a tiny mouse. One by one, they jumped / dived / stepped into the boat, and we are asked to predict “who sank the boat”. Spoiler alert: the boat sank when the final and tiniest animal jumped in and held onto the oar. The mouse was the only one that stayed dry in the end.
There was nothing too spectacular about the storyline or the illustrations, but it sure is a fun story that can keep young toddlers engaged till the end. This is a book that can be read to preschool/ older kids too, and provide a good opportunity for parents/ teachers to discuss about weight, balancing, measurement, physics, concept of floating and sinking etc.
Full review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2019
This classic story, retold and illustrated by Pamela Allen, really cracked me up. Maybe I'm losing it in my older years. The story is about animal friends who decide to go on a row in the lake on a nice day. But they're all so chubby!! Then they squeeze themselves one by one into this ridiculously small rowboat to try to take a row, and of course the boat sinks. There's repetition in the asking of "who sank the boat?" After the first three readings, my little guy loved shouting "NOOOO!" to the question, as he picked up on the fact that it was always "no" until the very end. ;) (It's a picture book, so I don't count that as a spoiler.) Definitely recommended.
May 10, 2017
Lovely illustrations, and a good text, which has some good rhymes. A reading aloud book, definitely, as some of the words are hard for beginning readers, while the story-line is suitable for younger readers. As for science, it is worthwhile building up the picture that everyone sitting in the boat contributes to its sinking. Eventually, the cry goes up that "Everyone did!" in reponse to the question "Who sank the boat?"
Pamela Allen also wrote "Mr Archimedes Bath" which is a terrific exploration of water displacement.
Pamela Allen also wrote "Mr Archimedes Bath" which is a terrific exploration of water displacement.
September 23, 2021
This is a charming book that is a first reader. The illustrations are so cute.
Four friends went to the boat, a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig and a tiny little mouse. The repetition as the question is posed again and again. Who sank the boat? Was it the cow? Seeing how he nearly tipped it over when getting in. Or, was it the donkey? And so children become engaged and learn the words. Who finally sank the boat?
I'm lucky enough to enjoy children's books passing through my hands where I work. I often get them to give as gifts.
Four friends went to the boat, a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig and a tiny little mouse. The repetition as the question is posed again and again. Who sank the boat? Was it the cow? Seeing how he nearly tipped it over when getting in. Or, was it the donkey? And so children become engaged and learn the words. Who finally sank the boat?
I'm lucky enough to enjoy children's books passing through my hands where I work. I often get them to give as gifts.
September 25, 2023
I enjoyed reading Who Sank The Boat. Grade level might be for K-2. I enjoyed this book because it is interactive with questions like, “Was it the donkey that sank the boat?” This would be fun to read to students as it is a funny read to guess who sank the boat. This also teaches students that no matter the order of weight, the boat would still sink. (The smallest animal in the book was a mouse and was the one who made it sink)
February 14, 2025
another classroom read. absolutely shocked how many of the books we read have stuck around with me. nostalgia is a crazy thing. this book and the three men in a tub rub a dub dub nursery rhyme are like morphed in my mind. the wires are crossed or something. i do remember disliking this book though. it scared me a little for some reason. maybe it was the illustrations or the impending fear of the boat sinking? lol
March 24, 2020
Our kids enjoyed this book and now our grandson enjoys this book. We always use WHO SANK THE BOAT? as a springboard to do a sink/float experiment . . . seeing which household objects will sink or float in a dishpan filled with water making predictions each time and talking about our conclusions (i.e. plastic & wooden things float unless they have holes in them; metal things, marbles sink). Fun!
March 1, 2023
I this this was a very good book. I would like to have this book in my classroom one day. It was very funny and I think it would be very entertaining to my students. Not only would it be entertaining but they would learn a lot from this book. I could use this to teach that actions always have consequences, even if you can’t immediately see it. I could also use this is math to teach about balance.
September 17, 2023
STEM concepts in action! "Who Sank the Boat" by Pamela Allen is a simple yet effective tale which explores concepts such as heavy/light, empty/full and float/sink.
My class had a lot of fun re-enacting this story with a plastic container for the boat and differently-sized rocks for the animals. One of my favourite lessons to date!
My class had a lot of fun re-enacting this story with a plastic container for the boat and differently-sized rocks for the animals. One of my favourite lessons to date!
October 16, 2024
This book is about a group of farm animals who decide to take a boat ride. As each animal steps in the boat, the question asks readers to guess which one will sink the boat. This is a great book that shows cause and effect. It also introduces concepts of physics in a fun way. The illustrations are simple, yet expressive.
Read
November 2, 2025The story is funny and made me wonder which animal would make the boat sink. When I read it, I tried to use different voices and expressions for each animal, which made it more fun. I also had to slow down and pay attention to pacing so the surprise at the end had more impact. It’s a short, playful story, but reading it aloud made it feel exciting and lively.
April 15, 2018
Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors. This one was ok.
January 31, 2019
Re-read
A classic. A clever way of showing younger readers that sometimes there's no single cause when something goes wrong.
The smallest person of the household thought the mouse's contribution to be hilarious.
A classic. A clever way of showing younger readers that sometimes there's no single cause when something goes wrong.
The smallest person of the household thought the mouse's contribution to be hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews