The plot of the story is simple—young boy spends summer with grandmother. Jim LaMarche’s illustrations that frame the plot are the highlights of this book. Nicky’s first-person narrative is expanded by the radiant and expressive pictures. At first reluctant to spend the summer away from home, Nicky discovers the wonders of nature as he and his artist-grandmother raft down the river. As the boy interacts with the animals they meet, he discovers that he, too, has a passion for the creation of art. Nicky develops closer ties to his grandmother and to nature as he experiences the freedom of exploring and connecting with nature. This is a delightful read for young and old.
Check the WRL catalog for The Raft.
