Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat

by Philip Christian Stead

Summary: Jonathan sets sail in the big blue boat in search of his lost stuffed bear, Frederick, and collects a ragtag assortment of friends along the way.

The illustrator’s use of collage in this book is impressive. The illustrations are extremely detailed with pieces of old stamps, travel tickets, and newspaper clippings which give the book a nostalgic feel. The story is good, but examining this book’s details and playing a “look and find” game with a child are more rewarding and may be great ways to motivate reading.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3