Out into the Big Wide Lake

April 1, 2021
Preschool-Grade 3 *Starred Review* Kate's grandparents, who run a little store beside a lake, invite her to spend the summer with them. Kate, who has Down syndrome, asks, "Me?" "Why not?" says Grandma. That same affirming conversation recurs before Grandpa first takes her out in their small wooden boat for morning grocery deliveries to his lakeside customers' docks, and again before she first joins Grandma for afternoon lessons in steering the boat, docking it, and tying it up with a special knot. One morning, Grandpa is ill and Grandma accompanies him to the hospital. Waiting at the dock, Grandpa's dog seems to ask Kate, "Who will deliver all this food?" "Me?" asks Kate. "Why not?" replies the dog. And despite some choppy waters and an unexpected passenger, she succeeds. Harbridge, who based the main character on his younger sister, sets up this well-structured narrative in an early scene revealing tension between Kate's overprotective mother and her grandparents, who have more confidence in the girl's capabilities. Young children will admire her growing independence as well as her willingness to take charge and get the job done. Bisaillon's distinctive mixed-media artwork creates vivid, colorful settings and expressive character portrayals. A heartening Canadian picture book with an emotionally resonant ending.

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