Big Day on the River

Vivid acrylic gouache illustrations and sparkling prose highlight this funny, clever book about a "skinny-legs-tall girl's almost spoiled rafting trip down the "Wallawatchee." Just as she's celebrating her imminent launch from the dock, (along with two duck pals), Willie's extended (as in "large- extended") family prance down the dock bringing her provisions that threaten to overload her raft, and country dialect, similes, and metaphors for the reader's delight: Gramma Clementia brings a bag of apples: "It's a long-toed river out there. You'll be hungry as a hound by midmorning!" Gramma Emmaline brings a watermelon. "The watermelon was heavier than a full grown-raccoon in a washtub." Some of the men happen to bring smelly items--even the ducks hold their noses: An umbrella "as tall as a beanpole" which might have some dirty socks within it,and a horse blanket which may have some horse hair. The raft loads up more and more as Uncle Binderbus and Uncle Mumpford, respectively, bring a bicycle and a chair. Calamity ensues as the raft goes under ("fortunately the water was shoulder-high-shallow) and the givers focus on getting back their supplies. There's a very happy ending, and overall, a very lightly presented lesson for the overly solicitous. The narrative, dialogue, and pictures are just flat-out fun. (You may find yourself doing a little regional dialect yourself after reading this one.) It's great fun to read silently and especially to others. The large format illustrations and exaggerated portraits give the book a tall-tale feeling but within a familiar context. Sarah Wilson and Randy Cecil have concocted one of the most enjoyable books I've read all year; it's a very down-home yarn that's sure to please.

Big Day On The River is a completely delightful picture book story about a young girl who sometimes feels a bit squeezed by her large family, and her determination to enjoy a river adventure. Playful color illustrations by Randy Cecil perfectly showcase the upbeat text by Sarah Wilson, -- and lots of splashing make for an upbeat and thoroughly fun-filled read for children ages 4 to 7!