Sail Away

From Publishers Weekly 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. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 3?With inventive interplay between typeface and art, Crews conveys the excitement of a somewhat harrowing sailing experience. It starts out as a perfect day when the small sloop leaves its mooring, putt putts out under the bridge, passes the lighthouse, and sets sail. A violent storm provides a dramatic crescendo to the adventure before the boat returns home safely as the sun is setting. The brief text with selected onomatopoeia works harmoniously with the bold yet fluid watercolor art to create the sensation of sailing. The clever design utilizes typeface to further extend the impression of motion: slanted words mirror the angle of the wind, letters change size during climactic plot shifts, and, at times, the print is incorporated into the illustrations?when the sails catch the wind with a forceful WHOOSH, the overblown letters billow onto the white sail. With his unerring sense of color and design, Crews has again successfully captured the essence of a moving experience within the confines of a book.?Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NYCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.