What do you think?
Rate this book
Lily Leads the Way
A little sailboat has a big burst of determination when a fleet of tall ships needs assistance.
Lily the sailboat is small but sturdy, in a harbor full of enormous cargo ships, speedy fishing vessels, and bossy tugboats that all have somewhere to go. And something to say—mostly, “Out of my way, Lily!” But Lily has somewhere to go, too. Out on the lake, the tall ships are coming! To pass from the harbor to the lake, Lily must blow her horn and ask the lift bridge to rise—“Meee-me?”—but the big vessels’ blasts are so much louder as they crowd her out and rock her with waves. Finally, Lily slips under just before the bridge goes down, her sails fluttering with excitement as she spies the majestic barquentine, schooner, and other grand old ships heading toward the now-lowered bridge. Silently! How will the bridge know to rise? Can Lily save the day? This tale of plucky persistence, illustrated with the splash and sparkle of a summer day on the water, is sure to empower any child to take charge when the time is right. A note from the author, a Newbery Honoree, offers more facts about bridges and boats for curious readers.
Lily the sailboat is small but sturdy, in a harbor full of enormous cargo ships, speedy fishing vessels, and bossy tugboats that all have somewhere to go. And something to say—mostly, “Out of my way, Lily!” But Lily has somewhere to go, too. Out on the lake, the tall ships are coming! To pass from the harbor to the lake, Lily must blow her horn and ask the lift bridge to rise—“Meee-me?”—but the big vessels’ blasts are so much louder as they crowd her out and rock her with waves. Finally, Lily slips under just before the bridge goes down, her sails fluttering with excitement as she spies the majestic barquentine, schooner, and other grand old ships heading toward the now-lowered bridge. Silently! How will the bridge know to rise? Can Lily save the day? This tale of plucky persistence, illustrated with the splash and sparkle of a summer day on the water, is sure to empower any child to take charge when the time is right. A note from the author, a Newbery Honoree, offers more facts about bridges and boats for curious readers.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2022
54 people want to read
About the author
Margi Preus
26 books193 followersMargi Preus is a children's writer. She is a 2011 Newbery Honor winner and won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Heart of a Samurai.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 26, 2022
Read for my toddler's bedtime. Lily the little sailboat had it hard for her being small but still big enough that she needed the bridge to open up so she could cross to the other side of the bridge. She holler for the bridge to open but was pushed aside by other bigger boats. Later a bunch of beautiful sailboats came and she took it upon herself to open the bridge for them. She had to holler a few times to get the bridge's attention. I didn't notice after my first read that it's harder being little. Lily had to work extra hard to cross the bridge. She was pushed around by other bigger boats.. almost drowned.. I liked the illustrations and learning the names of the different sailboats but I feel sad that Lily didn't have it easy for herself.
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review.
February 2, 2023
So delightful to recognize the Duluth harbor in this children’s picture book! And anthropomorphic vehicles of any kind are always a win for my 3-year-old!
July 20, 2022
Lily, a small sailboat resides in a harbor of a lake with a bridge. In order for her to leave the harbor the bridge has to be raised. But she struggles to get out of the harbor as bigger and louder ships push her out of the way. But a group of older, taller grand ships on the way, Lily refuses to give up. After a couple of near disasters, Lily finally makes it out onto the lake where she joyfully greets the visitors. But she soon realizes that the tall sailing ships won't be able to communicate with the bridge because they don't have any horns to blow. So Lily rushes toward the bridge desperately trying to get the bridge raised before the tall sailing ships arrive. I found it really interesting to read the author's note at the end of the book talking about the different kinds of bridges and the authors own experiences with a situation just like Lily's. Matt Myers illustrations are beautiful. I loved the bright colors and movement that made the story feel action-packed and appealing. Giving Lily eyes and a mouth makes her feel all the more alive. I also enjoyed the changing flags that Lily shows depending on what she's doing. This highlights the use of flags as signals and messages while sailing. Not only is this an eye-opening tale about a real place, but a fun story about persistence and the value of all not matter their size.
June 9, 2022
Lily, the small sailboat on this cover tells the tale of a bridge that must be raised in order that she sail on out of the harbor. Unfortunately, much larger ships cut in line and Lily sway and bobs through big waves as she scoots along to avoid colliding. The book is a fun way for children to learn about the ships that come and go to a harbor and must signal to those at the bridge to raise it. Marci Preus, with Lily's help tells of the huge vessels along with all kinds of sailing ships that need these kinds of bridges raised. And she adds an author's note about the particular bridge in the book, adding more information about the signals used. Matt Myers, illustrator of The Infamous Ratsos fills the pages with lovely ocean action.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
October 13, 2022
Sweet story about a little sailboat attempting to venture under the Aerial Lift Bridge to find the tall ships. Lily is pushed around by bigger, stronger ships, but eventually is able to signal the bridge to open for the tall ships that do not have horns. The author's note discusses bridges, boats, and ships in a way that could tie in nicely with STEM or history lessons. Young readers from age 4 to 9 would enjoy this story.
July 7, 2022
We read this book to Audrey, finished it, and Scott said "that book was kind of stupid and pointless."
There was something about it that did not resonate. And you would think I would enjoy books about how "a person is a person no matter how small"
There was something about it that did not resonate. And you would think I would enjoy books about how "a person is a person no matter how small"
September 8, 2022
This book is about a little sailboat who finds her voice. She is constantly overlooked in her attempts to sail under the bridge, but she continues to try. The bridge just doesn't hear her horn, the signal for it to open. Finally, she sneaks under. She is able to see 4 beautiful ships sailing towards the bridge, however, they have no horns! She hurries ahead and blows her horn as loud as she can to open the bridge for them...will it work?
*spoilers*
I thought this book was very cute. It's a short and easy read with beautiful imagery. The author personifies boats in a way that can relate to children. Some people overlook others, while some fight just to be seen.
In a classroom, I would use this to teach the importance of perseverance. Lily did not let down and continued to try even after so many failures. With the other boats overlooking her, and the bridge unable to hear her, she still gives her all. In the end, her hard work pays off. This would be a good, quick lesson for younger students.
*spoilers*
I thought this book was very cute. It's a short and easy read with beautiful imagery. The author personifies boats in a way that can relate to children. Some people overlook others, while some fight just to be seen.
In a classroom, I would use this to teach the importance of perseverance. Lily did not let down and continued to try even after so many failures. With the other boats overlooking her, and the bridge unable to hear her, she still gives her all. In the end, her hard work pays off. This would be a good, quick lesson for younger students.
August 2, 2022
Lily is a little sailboat who is always pushed aside by the bigger cargo ships. She must pass under a drawbridge to leave the harbor and welcome a fleet of old-fashioned sailing ships who are coming to visit, but she can't get through with all the bigger boats hogging the waterways. When she is finally able to leave the harbor, she meets the grand old sailing ships and escorts them back towards the drawbridge. It is up to Lily to toot her little horn to signal the drawbridge to open up for the ships to pass through, but will the drawbridge hear her little horn?
I loved this cute book so much! There are so many layers to this story as Lily proves that she may be little, but she is worth listening to and she is a capable leader. I love the positive messages about being tenacious and polite and brave. Lily has a lot of obstacles to overcome, but she continues with grace and kindness even when others are rude.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful! You really get a feeling of the energy of the waves and the action of the traffic in and out of the harbor. I loved the design for the ships that anthropomorphizes them. The "facial" expressions for Lily really bring such emotion into the story! Each page in the book has beautiful background scenery.
My only issue with this book is that sometimes the flags seem to be flying the opposite way from the wind! The sails look like they are going one way, and the flags are going the other way. Haha! It made me wonder if maybe the flags are on wires so that they stick out stiffly even if there is no wind. That might explain why the flags look like they are flying against the wind.
The most amazing thing about this book are the secret messages hidden in the illustrations. I began to notice that in each page, Lily is flying a different flag on her mast. I looked up the meaning of these flags in the international code of signals for ships at sea. Each one reflects something that Lily is experiencing in the story.
(I have done the research so that you don't have to, and here are all the flags and their meanings within the story!)
She begins with the "K" flag, meaning "I wish to communicate with you." She is trying to reach out to the drawbridge to tell them to lift the bridge so she can pass through.
When a big cargo boat comes alongside, she flies the "I" flag, meaning "I am altering my course to port." She is trying to tell the bigger boat to make room. She flies the "R" flag for "going alongside." and she tries to squeeze in together, but the cargo boat pushes her aside anyway. As she is tossed by the bigger boat's massive wake, she flies the "D" flag which means "Keep clear. I am maneuvering with difficulty."
Lily approaches the bridge again but the bridge is down, and she has to stay put, flying the "M" flag meaning, "My vessel is stopped."
More vessels barge past Lily and she flies the "T" flag to say "Keep clear of me," and the "U" flag to say, "You are running into danger." But they ignore her and run right past, almost knocking her down.
Poor Lily is battered by the waves, and flies the "W" flag for "I require medical assistance," and she really DOES look sick, poor thing!
Finally, Lily is able to sneak under the bridge at the last minute, flying a triumphant "C" flag which means "Yes"!
When Lily sights the grand old ships, she flies the "K" flag again, signaling that she "wishes to communicate" with them. Lily proudly sails alongside them with another triumphant "C" flag. Yes!
As they approach the drawbridge together, Lily sails out in the front and flies the "K" flag once more to ask to "communicate" with the drawbridge.
The drawbridge doesn't acknowledge Lily, and she changes her flag to the "M" flag when her "vessel is stopped" in front of the drawbridge. She sails in circles, tooting her little horn, begging them to open before the bigger sailing ships arrive.
When the drawbridge finally opens, Lily leads the way for the ships and flies a "P" flag which is a "general call" signal to tell everyone to come in.
On the last page, Lily flies the "H" flag, which signals "I have a pilot onboard." But in this case, Lily herself IS the pilot, bringing the entire fleet safely into harbor.
Lily, you beautiful darling, you! What a ship! I actually started crying when I realized what the last flag meant. Lily is so inspiring and wonderful. You keep sailing along, you sweet little ship! You can do it!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this cute book so much! There are so many layers to this story as Lily proves that she may be little, but she is worth listening to and she is a capable leader. I love the positive messages about being tenacious and polite and brave. Lily has a lot of obstacles to overcome, but she continues with grace and kindness even when others are rude.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful! You really get a feeling of the energy of the waves and the action of the traffic in and out of the harbor. I loved the design for the ships that anthropomorphizes them. The "facial" expressions for Lily really bring such emotion into the story! Each page in the book has beautiful background scenery.
My only issue with this book is that sometimes the flags seem to be flying the opposite way from the wind! The sails look like they are going one way, and the flags are going the other way. Haha! It made me wonder if maybe the flags are on wires so that they stick out stiffly even if there is no wind. That might explain why the flags look like they are flying against the wind.
The most amazing thing about this book are the secret messages hidden in the illustrations. I began to notice that in each page, Lily is flying a different flag on her mast. I looked up the meaning of these flags in the international code of signals for ships at sea. Each one reflects something that Lily is experiencing in the story.
(I have done the research so that you don't have to, and here are all the flags and their meanings within the story!)
She begins with the "K" flag, meaning "I wish to communicate with you." She is trying to reach out to the drawbridge to tell them to lift the bridge so she can pass through.
When a big cargo boat comes alongside, she flies the "I" flag, meaning "I am altering my course to port." She is trying to tell the bigger boat to make room. She flies the "R" flag for "going alongside." and she tries to squeeze in together, but the cargo boat pushes her aside anyway. As she is tossed by the bigger boat's massive wake, she flies the "D" flag which means "Keep clear. I am maneuvering with difficulty."
Lily approaches the bridge again but the bridge is down, and she has to stay put, flying the "M" flag meaning, "My vessel is stopped."
More vessels barge past Lily and she flies the "T" flag to say "Keep clear of me," and the "U" flag to say, "You are running into danger." But they ignore her and run right past, almost knocking her down.
Poor Lily is battered by the waves, and flies the "W" flag for "I require medical assistance," and she really DOES look sick, poor thing!
Finally, Lily is able to sneak under the bridge at the last minute, flying a triumphant "C" flag which means "Yes"!
When Lily sights the grand old ships, she flies the "K" flag again, signaling that she "wishes to communicate" with them. Lily proudly sails alongside them with another triumphant "C" flag. Yes!
As they approach the drawbridge together, Lily sails out in the front and flies the "K" flag once more to ask to "communicate" with the drawbridge.
The drawbridge doesn't acknowledge Lily, and she changes her flag to the "M" flag when her "vessel is stopped" in front of the drawbridge. She sails in circles, tooting her little horn, begging them to open before the bigger sailing ships arrive.
When the drawbridge finally opens, Lily leads the way for the ships and flies a "P" flag which is a "general call" signal to tell everyone to come in.
On the last page, Lily flies the "H" flag, which signals "I have a pilot onboard." But in this case, Lily herself IS the pilot, bringing the entire fleet safely into harbor.
Lily, you beautiful darling, you! What a ship! I actually started crying when I realized what the last flag meant. Lily is so inspiring and wonderful. You keep sailing along, you sweet little ship! You can do it!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
June 7, 2022
My family has a lake house in northern Michigan. Every time we go, the trip from Chicago seems to be endless as we anxiously await our arrival. However, inevitably our journey often comes to a sudden halt when we are caught in an excruciatingly long line of traffic, all waiting for the drawbridge in Glen Haven to lower. Sometimes we’re close enough to see why the bridge was raised; sometimes it’s a tall sailboat and sometimes a barge. Other times, I struggle to figure out why the bridge went up. Because I’m always ready to create a story in my head, I fantasize about the seafaring vessels that sailed by that day. I was reminded of our journeys as I read Lily’s story.
Lily, a small sailboat on a large lake, is ready for her big day. Today the tall ships are sailing by and Lily plans to greet them. First though, she must sail under the drawbridge. The large ships have no problem getting the attention of the drawbridge, but Lily’s small voice leaves her helpless. Once she’s finally able to pass beneath the bridge, she realizes the tall ships are silently approaching the bridge. Can she find her voice to make certain the bridge raises in time?
The bold oil illustrations bring Lily, the tall ships and the sea to life. You’ll have no doubt about Lily’s feelings on every page, and you’ll marvel at the colors of the waves. You and your little one will also learn about many ships from tugboats to schooners, and then, when your curiosity is piqued, you’ll learn much more in the author’s note. She shares information about many types of bridges, as well as her experiences which inspired the story.
Lily, a small sailboat on a large lake, is ready for her big day. Today the tall ships are sailing by and Lily plans to greet them. First though, she must sail under the drawbridge. The large ships have no problem getting the attention of the drawbridge, but Lily’s small voice leaves her helpless. Once she’s finally able to pass beneath the bridge, she realizes the tall ships are silently approaching the bridge. Can she find her voice to make certain the bridge raises in time?
The bold oil illustrations bring Lily, the tall ships and the sea to life. You’ll have no doubt about Lily’s feelings on every page, and you’ll marvel at the colors of the waves. You and your little one will also learn about many ships from tugboats to schooners, and then, when your curiosity is piqued, you’ll learn much more in the author’s note. She shares information about many types of bridges, as well as her experiences which inspired the story.
May 24, 2022
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2022/05/24/... THANK YOU!
Don’t Give Up!
Illustrated by Matt Myers
Lily, a little sailboat, is very excited because some special ships are coming, they are older and very tall. To see them, Lily must get out of her harbor, but to do that, the bridge must go up so she can sail out to the lake. Every time she tries, a bigger boat scoots in front of her, and the waves they make almost topple her over.
Even though Lily doesn’t give up, boat after boat continues to block her. Just when it looks like all is lost, Lily makes it through. Not only does she get to see the boats, something very special happens to Lily.
This story will grab children’s attention when the bigger boats won’t let Lily through. Little ones will identify with Lily because they know what it is like to have someone bigger make it harder to do something. It would be a good time to ask a child if they have ever had something like that happen.
The book’s message of not giving up is a great one for small ones to hear, and put into practice. Since Lily doesn’t stop trying, she has something wonderful happen.
I like this five-star, hardbacked picture book. It has beautiful illustrations on each page, and making the point to not give up can never be made too often. Children preschool age through third grade will enjoy this tale!
Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Lily Leads the Way, for the purpose of review.
Don’t Give Up!
Illustrated by Matt Myers
Lily, a little sailboat, is very excited because some special ships are coming, they are older and very tall. To see them, Lily must get out of her harbor, but to do that, the bridge must go up so she can sail out to the lake. Every time she tries, a bigger boat scoots in front of her, and the waves they make almost topple her over.
Even though Lily doesn’t give up, boat after boat continues to block her. Just when it looks like all is lost, Lily makes it through. Not only does she get to see the boats, something very special happens to Lily.
This story will grab children’s attention when the bigger boats won’t let Lily through. Little ones will identify with Lily because they know what it is like to have someone bigger make it harder to do something. It would be a good time to ask a child if they have ever had something like that happen.
The book’s message of not giving up is a great one for small ones to hear, and put into practice. Since Lily doesn’t stop trying, she has something wonderful happen.
I like this five-star, hardbacked picture book. It has beautiful illustrations on each page, and making the point to not give up can never be made too often. Children preschool age through third grade will enjoy this tale!
Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Lily Leads the Way, for the purpose of review.
December 11, 2024
Lily is a small sailboat on the Great Lakes. She is excited to welcome other sailing ships to the harbor as they come for a celebration, but there is small problem- she can't toot her horn loud enough to get them to raise the bridge for her. The other powered ships are much larger, and she must give way to them as well. How will she meet her friends?
This delightful story reminds me of one of my favorite childhood picture books, Little Toot! Although Toot was a tugboat and Lily is a sailboat, they both struggle to overcome their size with the other larger boats they encounter.
The story introduces the reader to many types of ships powered by both wind and fossil fuels. The endearing illustrations are oil on illustration board and capture the movement of both ship and water. I highly recommend a dust jacket reveal when reading to a group as the scene underneath is different. An excellent author note gives context to the story as the bridge is a unique one that actually exists on Lake Superior, and they have experience with it on their own sailboat.
This would make a wonderful addition to story time program or a class read aloud time. The tenacity of Lily as she achieves her goal, the beautiful illustrations, and the popular subject of vehicle transportation make this a picture book that children ages 4-8 will enjoy reading first as a group and then exploring on their own.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any elementary school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This delightful story reminds me of one of my favorite childhood picture books, Little Toot! Although Toot was a tugboat and Lily is a sailboat, they both struggle to overcome their size with the other larger boats they encounter.
The story introduces the reader to many types of ships powered by both wind and fossil fuels. The endearing illustrations are oil on illustration board and capture the movement of both ship and water. I highly recommend a dust jacket reveal when reading to a group as the scene underneath is different. An excellent author note gives context to the story as the bridge is a unique one that actually exists on Lake Superior, and they have experience with it on their own sailboat.
This would make a wonderful addition to story time program or a class read aloud time. The tenacity of Lily as she achieves her goal, the beautiful illustrations, and the popular subject of vehicle transportation make this a picture book that children ages 4-8 will enjoy reading first as a group and then exploring on their own.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any elementary school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Read
June 12, 2022See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/lily-l...
LILY LEADS THE WAY is a cute picture book about a small boat. Lily is excited to meet the tall ships on the lake, but to get there, she'll need to get under the bridge. As she tries to make her way, large ships push her out. She manages to slip through and just in time - the tall ships are here! She then leads the way back through under the bridge.
What I loved: This is a sweet story about exciting, finding your place, and patience. Lily's struggles to get under the bridge will resonate with young readers who know the feeling of being too little. As she makes it through and then leads the way, young children will celebrate with her. The illustrations are lush and capture Lily, her emotions, and the sea so well.
The font is large and easy to read throughout, great for reading aloud, with the length working well for preschool and elementary school aged readers. The author's note at the end talks about bridges and the ways boats used to communicate, which adds a nice educational touch to the story.
Final verdict: An adorable story of finding your way and overcoming the odds, LILY LEADS THE WAY is a charming picture book with lush illustrations and an educational touch.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
LILY LEADS THE WAY is a cute picture book about a small boat. Lily is excited to meet the tall ships on the lake, but to get there, she'll need to get under the bridge. As she tries to make her way, large ships push her out. She manages to slip through and just in time - the tall ships are here! She then leads the way back through under the bridge.
What I loved: This is a sweet story about exciting, finding your place, and patience. Lily's struggles to get under the bridge will resonate with young readers who know the feeling of being too little. As she makes it through and then leads the way, young children will celebrate with her. The illustrations are lush and capture Lily, her emotions, and the sea so well.
The font is large and easy to read throughout, great for reading aloud, with the length working well for preschool and elementary school aged readers. The author's note at the end talks about bridges and the ways boats used to communicate, which adds a nice educational touch to the story.
Final verdict: An adorable story of finding your way and overcoming the odds, LILY LEADS THE WAY is a charming picture book with lush illustrations and an educational touch.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
July 31, 2022
Little sailboat Lily just wants to go under the bridge and it must lift to permit her tall sail to pass through. But she is pushed aside repeatedly by the big boats. She just wants to go greet the old sailing ships (tall rigged sailing ships) as they sail into port.
Awash in the turbulent waves created by the big ships, Lily inches along and finally slips under the bridge in the nick of time.
A sweetly told story that little ones will love to hear read to them and they will really root for the little boat.
I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Awash in the turbulent waves created by the big ships, Lily inches along and finally slips under the bridge in the nick of time.
A sweetly told story that little ones will love to hear read to them and they will really root for the little boat.
I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
August 3, 2022
Lily is a small sailboat trying to get out of the harbor and into the lake to see the grand old tall ships coming to visit. Each time she tries to go under the bridge, another bigger boat's waves push her away because they can't stop or turn easily. After waiting a long time, she gets out and realizes the old ships don't have horns to ask to the bridge to lift. Despite her size, she will prove her might! I like that the illustrations don't fully anthropomorphize the boats and ships, but you can find eyes and a mouth if you look hard. If this book had been written when I was little, I know my dad would've read this to me due to his love of sailboats.
August 14, 2023
Colorful, full-page illustrations of the harbor, lake, and anthropomorphic sea vessels show how a little sailboat navigates obstacles and rough waters to discover her own capabilities and value to sail with pride among the “grand old tall ships.” This story is a fun read-aloud for wee ones who will delight in the sights and sounds of the boats and the busy harbor. The Author’s Note includes information about bridges, sailing, and seafaring communication. An illustrated glossary with the types of ships mentioned in the story would have been a welcome addition to the book.
June 18, 2022
The story of a small sailboat who must wait for her turn to go under a lift bridge with all the tugboats, cargo ships, and fishing vessels to sail out to meet the tall ships that are coming to the harbor. Then she leads the majestic ships back into the harbor once the lift bridge goes up to the harbor from Lake Superior. Includes sloop, schooner, a brig, a barque, and barquentine tall sailing ships.
June 22, 2023
A cute book about a small sailboat that has to get the drawbridge to open up so that she can go meet the larger sailing ships that are coming to visit. The illustrations are beautiful and really bring a feeling of the sea in their presentation. The pictures feel as if they are oil paintings and really make you feel as if you are at the sea. This would be a good book to use for a story time if you had a nautical theme, especially if you were focusing on sailing ships.
August 11, 2025
A little boat named Lily has a mast tall enough that she needs the bridge to lift up so she can go through. When she honks her horn to let the bridge master know, other boats keep slipping in before she can safely do so. Lily just wants to see the tall ships that are coming to the harbor, but will they be able to get in? Will she be able to get out?
This is a fun story that is easily used in story time. Little kids will relate to being overlooked because of their size.
This is a fun story that is easily used in story time. Little kids will relate to being overlooked because of their size.
August 11, 2022
This is a great book on ships and a lift bridge (located on Lake Superior). It mentions ships of today, but the real wonder are the ships from yesteryear that are visiting. Lily helps by beeping her tiny horn so that bridge will lift and the tall ships can pass. Another great theme you can talk about is patience and manners.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
December 2, 2022
A very simple little story about a sailboat that wants to go under the bridge in the harbor (I know it is Duluth MN). The pictures are beautiful and if you like to make hor noises this is your book. Since I live in MN and have been to this exact play many times, it is a nice memory of summers watching the boats. You also learn about different kinds of boats while reading.
June 29, 2022
A little sailboat encounters many other, larger ships as it awaits its turn to leave the harbor. The different boats, and never give up theme will appear to some children. The story was missing a little something for me (and not crazy about Lily's little smiling face.)
November 13, 2025
This book had very good illustrations and a cute story. I think it would be a good and engaging read aloud for children. There are words written in larger font to emphasize them more when being read. The reader could alos use different voices for the different ships in the story.
Want to read
August 12, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
April 4, 2022
It was cute, beautifully illustrated, but slow for the kids who usually get drawn to the transportation themed books.
May 4, 2022
A charming story about a little sailboat, a saltie, a tugboat, a sloop, a schooner, a brig, a barque, and a barquentine.
June 17, 2022
Very sweet. I loved the info on bridges, and of course loved Lily!
July 6, 2022
A cheerful, satisfying underdog story.
July 6, 2022
A typical "little ship can do big things" tale gets an extra star for the gorgeous art. While the objects may be anthropomorphized they are realistically and beautifully drawn.
July 13, 2022
Holt-Delhi PJ story time 07-13-2022
August 9, 2022
2.5 stars - boring but very nice illustrations
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews