Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Exceptional art, sensitive story reunite a boy and his bear.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Jonathan's parents trade his beloved stuffed animal Frederick for a toaster. The book deals sensitively with the feelings of loss.

  • Tugboats and big blue boats are introduced as vessels of the sea.
  • Jonathan shows that new friends and adventures can be found, even while missing an old friend. He is helped by many different animals, who join his crew as he searches for his beloved bear.
  • Jonathan perseveres to find his favorite stuffed animal Frederick. His loyalty to his bear shows a level of friendship that is admirable.

What's the story?

Jonathan sets off in a big blue boat to find his stuffed bear. Along the way in his high seas adventures, he encounters new experiences and collects a crew of animals to help him in his search.


Is it any good?

 

This strikingly illustrated book -- a clever mix of watercolor and collage --does a remarkable job of dealing with Jonathan's feeling of sadness and loss. Jonathan demonstrates an open heart in inviting new friends on his journey.


What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about missing old friends and making new ones. Do you remember any friends you don't see any more?  Do you miss them?  Have you made new friends lately that make you happy?

  • Boats have different purposes on the sea. What did the tugboat do for the big blue boat? Why is the big blue boat better for traveling all over the world? What other boats have special jobs?


This review was written by Michelle Hong

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This review was written by Michelle Hong
Author:Philip Christian Stead
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Transportation
Publisher:Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:February 1, 2011
Number of pages:32
Hardcover price:$16.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):3 - 8

This review was written by Michelle Hong
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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