The Raft

Written and illustrated by Jim LaMarche

A magical raft transforms a boy's summer, revealing hidden talents and unexpected bonds.

4.5 Goodreads · 1,373 ratings

40 pages· 1,895 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud· AD540L

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Nicky dreads his summer in the Wisconsin woods with his grandmother, where chores and strange meals await. But when a mysterious raft drifts into his life, everything changes. The raft's magic unveils the wonders of nature and art, bridging the gap between Nicky and his grandmother. As he explores the river and woods, Nicky discovers his artistic talent and a newfound connection with his grandmother, a fellow river enthusiast. Will this unexpected adventure turn his worst summer into the best one yet? Dive into a tale of discovery, imagination, and the simple joys of life.

From the publisher

Inspired in part by his own childhood, this gorgeous picture book from Jim LaMarche, the beloved illustrator of A Story for Bear and The Elves and the Shoemaker, tells the story of one stubborn boy’s unexpectedly wonderful summer on the river.This is an imagination-sparking story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world and the people in it, and about discovering and exploring one’s own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, “This dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph.” The author’s note describes the similarities between his own life and the life of his protagonist.Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn’t like, there’s an art studio where her living room should be, and he’s expected to do chores–including fishing, the most boring chore ever.But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art.

At a glance