cover image Sail Away

Sail Away

Donald Crews. Greenwillow Books, $17.99 (40pp) ISBN 978-0-688-11053-6

In the tradition of Truck and Freight Train, Crews spirits young readers away in an interesting vehicle, this time for a day of sailing. The power in the air and water are palpable as a family rows the dinghy out to board their sailboat and embark on an exciting trip. But when ``clear skies turn cloudy and gray'' and the seas become angry, the crew faces some scary moments. Crews's short phrases and multi-sized typefaces work in tandem to convey a true feeling of motion. In one particularly striking spread, for example, the word ``Whoosh!'' appears in giant letters as the sails are raised; the letters gradually bleach from a nautical blue ``W'' to a brilliant white ``H.'' Sunny blues and greens and lots of crisp white make up an appropriate seafaring palette. Even landlubbers won't be able to resist this invigorating outing. Ages 2-up. (Apr.)