I'll Catch You If You Fall

December 15, 2015
A little boy on a perilous adventure at sea needs someone to see him safely home. The first double-page spread introduces a little boy in a yellow slicker and sou'wester, leaning precariously from a boat and dragging a net through the water. The charming, digitally rendered illustrations feature a lighthouse in the distance and a welcoming harbor with a dog keeping watch on the water. Large black text undulates like a wave across the page, asking: "Who will keep the boy safe?" With a turn of the page, his mother answers: "I will....I will hold him close...and never let him lean too far." But who will keep them both safe? The boat's captain will. And who will keep the boat safe? A star will guide it through a storm and safely back to harbor. Finally, the questions come to rest in a way that gently empowers the boy at the heart of the story and recalls its opening scene. Who will keep the star safe? "I will," says the little boy, now holding his red net out his window: "I will lean out my window, but not too far... / and catch you if you fall." Marlow's illustrations reveal a quaint, North Atlantic coastal setting; all characters are white, and both the boat's captain and the little boy (under his slicker) sport cozy fisherman-knit sweaters. This sentimental story of a return voyage carries an important message--let's all take care of one another. (Picture book. 2-5)

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January 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-This nautical-themed British import reassures children everywhere that there is always someone watching over them. This picturesque book starts by asking, "Who will keep the boy safe?" as a young boy in a yellow raincoat reaches perilously over the edge of a boat with a net. "'I will', said his mother. 'I will hold him close...and never let him lean too far.'" The text then goes on to ask who will keep both of them safe, along with the boat and then a star. The true standouts in this book are the bright watercolor and digital illustrations. The impressive storm seascapes in particular will mesmerize both children and adults. This picture book could be used in a sea-themed storytime, as well as a storytime about feelings. The book's theme and tone are also broad enough that caregivers could adapt it to their own anxious children's concerns. VERDICT A general purchase for most libraries.-Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2016
Preschool-K In this reassuring picture book, a child in a boat asks who will watch over him. His mother prevents him from leaning too far overboard, but then the child wonders who will keep them both safe. I will steer the boat and keep a watch, asserts the captain. The child then kicks the question up another notch: Who will keep the entire ship safe? A star in the night sky promises to guide the boat back home to safe harbor, but Who will keep me safe? The boy promises to catch the star should it take a tumble. Brief sentences in an oversized font stand out against detailed illustrations, and the main characters are featured in bright, attention-getting primary colors. There's no anxiety or mounting sense of doom, so this is suitable for even the youngest audiences. The action takes place at night, and the muted, dreamy background colors are reminiscent of a bedtime story, but this comforting message will be welcome in any setting at any time.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)