Review - In the Red Canoe

In the Red Canoe
by Leslie A. Davidson
illustrated by Laura Bifano
Date: 2016
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Ducks and frogs, swallows and dragonflies, beaver lodges and lily pads—a multitude of wonders enchant the child narrator in this tender, beautifully illustrated picture book. A tribute to those fragile, wild places that still exist, In the Red Canoe celebrates the bond between grandparent and grandchild and invites nature lovers of all ages along for the ride.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

In the Red Canoe is a lovely, relaxing look at nature through the eyes of a child and their grandfather. The rhyming text highlights all sorts of creatures that the pair see on their day-long canoe trip: frogs, beavers, birds, and fish.

The illustrations--especially the nighttime ones--are lovely and really convey the magic of the natural world. I like the fact that the child is drawn as rather gender-neutral, which makes them relatable to a lot more readers.

This is a really nice picture book with a distinctly Canadian feel (which isn't surprising given the publisher and the background of both the author and illustrator). But this would likely appeal to anyone who enjoys getting out in nature and exploring its wonders.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.86 out of 5