Out into the Big Wide Lake

Gr 1-3–Kate is working on being a big girl, so when her grandmother comes and invites her to stay at her house on the lake, Kate and her mother are a little worried she won’t be able to do all the things her mother did when she was Kate’s age. But Kate’s grandparents are patient and teach her to sail a boat and deliver groceries to people around the lake. Kate even makes friends with the grumpy man who lives at the end of the lake. It’s not obvious from the illustrations or the text of the story, but in the author’s note, readers learn Kate’s character is based on the author’s sister who has Down syndrome. It’s a nice story about someone dealing with a learning difference, although addressed quietly. The art is nicely rendered in mixed media with a folk art feel to it, which is a good match for the story.