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Little Scoot
A tiny tugboat overcomes her fears of a turbulent storm to save a stranded barge in this timeless tale of persistence.
When faced with a tough challenge, Little Scoot only tries harder. Sent into a gathering storm to rescue a barge that's run aground, Little Scoot is tempted to turn around. But though she's scared of the squall, she perseveres through thunder, lightning, blustery winds, and swamping waves, reminding herself "Little Scoot never quits!" This triumphant tale is a testimony to the power of determination.
When faced with a tough challenge, Little Scoot only tries harder. Sent into a gathering storm to rescue a barge that's run aground, Little Scoot is tempted to turn around. But though she's scared of the squall, she perseveres through thunder, lightning, blustery winds, and swamping waves, reminding herself "Little Scoot never quits!" This triumphant tale is a testimony to the power of determination.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 25, 2020
About the author
Rebecca Kai Dotlich
44 books50 followersRebecca is a poet and picture book author of such titles as What is Science? (a 2006 Subaru SB&F prize finalist), and Lemonade Sun (an American Booksellers "Pick of the Lists"). Her work is featured widely in poetry anthologies and textbooks. Rebecca promotes children's poetry, giving presentations and workshops to students, teachers, librarians and writers. She lives in Indiana.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 27, 2021
This is a children's book that I read to my twin boys. I think this book is so cute, and my boys loved the pictures in this book. I loved the message in this book so much. This is a great and cute children's book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Boyds Mills Press) or author (Elizabeth Kai Dotlich) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
February 3, 2021
This is a cute little book about a little tugboat who faces his fears to save the day. The illustrations are great and it's a good book with a lovely message for young readers.
Many thanks to Boyds Mills Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Many thanks to Boyds Mills Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.
January 20, 2021
This is way too similar to Little Toot. Is it out of copyright or something?
August 21, 2022
Little Scoot is a tugboat facing a big storm to save a boat. It's a story which feels familiar, only because it is. Little Scoot is an absolute copy of the story Little Toot, which makes me wonder if Little Toot is in public domain now. If so, then I feel sad that this author felt the need to dumb down the story this far, taking out so much of the drama and tension of the original book.
Honestly, you'd be better off finding a copy of Little Toot to read, as (to me at least) it felt quite heroic when I read it the first time as a child, and was one of my favorites to read to my own children.
Even the art is nothing special, feeling flat and dull. I really was disappointed all the way around by this book.
Honestly, you'd be better off finding a copy of Little Toot to read, as (to me at least) it felt quite heroic when I read it the first time as a child, and was one of my favorites to read to my own children.
Even the art is nothing special, feeling flat and dull. I really was disappointed all the way around by this book.
July 4, 2023
Seen it before. Scout the Mighty TugboatScout the Mighty Tugboat; Tugboat Bill and the River Rescue; even way back to Scuffy the Tugboat.
July 3, 2021
A good book that shows bravery and emphasizes not giving up. Little Scoot won’t give up even with high winds and strong waves. He pushes though to get to Big Barge and get her unstuck.
The book has a bit of rhyming trouble in the beginning but smooths out and becomes a nice story. It almost appears as if a different person wrote the beginning, or it was added at another time. However, while it is confusing, it is not enough of a distraction to affect the quality of the book. The illustrations are red, white, and blue. They are simplistic and only the expression changes. This is an asset for the book. It works well with the story.
I received an ARC from Astra Publishing House through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
The book has a bit of rhyming trouble in the beginning but smooths out and becomes a nice story. It almost appears as if a different person wrote the beginning, or it was added at another time. However, while it is confusing, it is not enough of a distraction to affect the quality of the book. The illustrations are red, white, and blue. They are simplistic and only the expression changes. This is an asset for the book. It works well with the story.
I received an ARC from Astra Publishing House through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
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May 30, 2023I LOVE Little Blue Truck. And I adore Alice Schertle. That is why I am so very proud
of this review she wrote for Little Scoot.
"Lucky the child who gets to share an adventure with Little Scoot! Rebecca Kai Dotlich gives her young audience an exciting adventure and a gentle lesson that scary things can be overcome with determination and a lot of heart."
--Alice Schertle, author of Little Blue Truck
of this review she wrote for Little Scoot.
"Lucky the child who gets to share an adventure with Little Scoot! Rebecca Kai Dotlich gives her young audience an exciting adventure and a gentle lesson that scary things can be overcome with determination and a lot of heart."
--Alice Schertle, author of Little Blue Truck
February 3, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Astra Publishing House for this ARC. This was a cute little story about a tiny tugboat being brave. I love how the book recognized she was scared but that you can feel scared and still be brave. Adorable illustrations as well, and I love a good rhyming book. I recommend and will definitely be purchasing for our library.
February 10, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Astra Publishing House, Boyds Mills Press for a free digital copy for my review.
A sweet little book about a tugboat and how she is scared but pushes through her fears and is brave to do the job she is called to do. I think kids will really enjoy the story and rhythms of this book.
A sweet little book about a tugboat and how she is scared but pushes through her fears and is brave to do the job she is called to do. I think kids will really enjoy the story and rhythms of this book.
May 11, 2021
What a cute little story about perseverance in a challenge. In stormy Little Toot gets called out to help a barge that’s stuck. This cute little rhyming story will be a winner with little hearts and a great lesson for all readers.
I read a copy of this as an advanced read as part of #BookPosse. This in no way affects my review. The book was wonderful!
I read a copy of this as an advanced read as part of #BookPosse. This in no way affects my review. The book was wonderful!
February 22, 2021
SUPER CUTE BOOK! My son loved it as did I! I thought the art was gorgeous, the story super fun, and boasted an amazing message of believing in yourself to boot!
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to read this book! One of our favorites!
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to read this book! One of our favorites!
April 10, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Boyds Mills Press through Edelweiss+.
Remarkably similar to Little Golden Book's Little Toot. Even the name is similar. However, the message to show grit and believe in yourself holds true for another generation.
Remarkably similar to Little Golden Book's Little Toot. Even the name is similar. However, the message to show grit and believe in yourself holds true for another generation.
May 9, 2021
Loved this story of a brave little tug boat determined to help a stuck barge despite the raging storm. Read it to my niece (5) and nephew (2) and they both loved it! Great story, amazing illustrations. 5/5! Thanks to Goodreads and Boyds Mills Press for the giveaway!
May 21, 2021
3.5 Rounded to 4
This is an adorable book about perseverance through difficult situations. I enjoyed the illustrations and the message; my only complaint is that I found some of the phrasing to be clunky and awkward which diminished my enjoyment of reading the story out loud.
This is an adorable book about perseverance through difficult situations. I enjoyed the illustrations and the message; my only complaint is that I found some of the phrasing to be clunky and awkward which diminished my enjoyment of reading the story out loud.
March 7, 2021
Love the message of this adorable book. Appropriate for kids of all ages and even for grown ups! The illustrations are cute and the story is great!
March 27, 2021
A familiar but charming story about persistence in the face of tough challenge.
May 5, 2021
Cute short story about a little tugboat facing his fears and saving the day.
May 7, 2021
This is a great book to teach kids about persevering, problem-solving, and bravery. Plus I know lots of kids who like boats and will simply enjoy the story.
May 16, 2021
Great book, highly recommend as my kids love it. They’re 20 months and 3.5 years old and both really enjoy it. Great illustrations
June 16, 2021
Super cute book!
June 16, 2021
Cute book with colorful illustrations. Good for preschoolers.
June 16, 2021
This is a really adorable children's book. The illustrations were very good with vibrant colors that children will love. I rec'd a free copy of this book in return for this review.
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July 23, 2021Why are tug boats so popular? This one wasn't even cute!
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January 8, 2023a great little "engine-who-could" story
March 22, 2023
A cute little rhyming book about perseverance.
December 29, 2025
Love Little Scoot!
May 9, 2021
Adorable!
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April 30, 2021Ages 7-8 150 L To the burgeoning shelf of small-butmighty-vehicle stories, add this one starring plucky tugboat Little Scoot. Big Barge has run aground, and Little Scoot must head out to sea to rescue him as a thunderstorm approaches. Scared Little Scoot “wants to turn back, / but there’s BIG work to do / SO… // …she straightens her stack / and pushes right through.” Poet Dotlich’s sure hand with rhyme and meter carries readers through Little Scoot’s adventure as the storm arrives, the swells get bigger, and pulling Big Barge out of the muck proves harder than expected. Page-turns are used effectively to add drama and suspense. Ikê’s digital illustrations capture the watery setting and the growing danger from the storm as well as Little Scoot’s changing emotions, from determination to trepidation to steely resolution to justifiable pride in her accomplishment. ( Admirably, the art also avoids the markers—eyelashes, the color pink, etc.—typically used for female inanimate picture-book characters.) Pair this with Savage’s Little Tug (rev. 11/12) and, more recently, Verdick’s Small Walt Spots Dot.
PHOTO (COLOR)
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By MARTHA V. PARRAVANO
PHOTO (COLOR)
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By MARTHA V. PARRAVANO
November 2, 2022
I needed more from the illustrations than the same boats and the same blue ocean.
I found myself stumbling through the words. Something was awkward.
I found myself stumbling through the words. Something was awkward.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews