The Raft | Wonderful Water Booklist

The Raft
Wordless Storybook

"The Raft" by Jim LaMarche is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of a young boy named Nicky who spends a transformative summer with his grandmother in the woods. Initially reluctant and bored, Nicky's perspective changes when he discovers an old raft covered in drawings of animals. This discovery leads him on a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature.

Plot Summary

Nicky is sent to spend the summer with his grandmother, who lives in a cabin by the river. He is initially unhappy about the arrangement, feeling isolated and missing his usual summer activities. However, his outlook changes when he finds an old raft adorned with intricate animal drawings. As he explores the river on the raft, he begins to appreciate the beauty of nature and discovers his own talent for drawing. The experience helps Nicky see the world—and himself—in a new light, fostering a sense of appreciation for his surroundings and his grandmother.

Themes

The Raft explores several themes:

Nature and Discovery: The book emphasizes the beauty and serenity of nature, encouraging readers to explore and appreciate their natural surroundings.
Art and Creativity: Nicky's journey on the raft helps him discover his artistic talents, highlighting the importance of creativity and self-expression.
Family and Relationships: The story also focuses on the bond between Nicky and his grandmother, showing how spending time together and sharing experiences can strengthen family ties.

Illustrations

Jim LaMarche's illustrations in "The Raft" are a significant part of the book's charm. His use of acrylic and coloured pencils brings the natural setting to life, capturing the lush landscapes and the detailed animal drawings on the raft. The artwork complements the narrative, enhancing the reader's immersion in Nicky's summer adventure.

"The Raft" has been well-received, praised for its serene storytelling and evocative illustrations. It has been recognized by the International Reading Association as a Teachers' Choice, reflecting its educational value and appeal to young readers.

Reception

Overall, "The Raft" is a poignant and visually stunning book that encourages readers to connect with nature, explore their creativity, and cherish their family relationships.

Illustrator: Jim LaMarche

Jim is a prominent author and illustrator of children's books, known for his evocative artwork and engaging storytelling. He has illustrated several notable titles, including The Rainbabies and Little Oh, both written by Laura Krauss Melmed. His own work, The Raft, showcases his talent for combining narrative and illustration effectively.

Book Details:

Publisher: Harper Collins
Format: Paperback
Print length: 40 pages
Dimensions: 27.94 x 0.86 x 23.5 cm
Reading age: 4 - 8 years old
Publication date: May 28, 2002
ISBN: 9780064438568

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How can "The Raft" help in teaching this Year 2 Geography "Wonderful Water" lesson?

Using "The Raft" by Jim LaMarche can significantly enhance a Year 2 Geography lesson focused on the theme "Wonderful Water." Here are several ways the book can be integrated into the lesson:

Themes and Concepts

Nature and Discovery: "The Raft" celebrates the beauty of nature, particularly water environments. This aligns well with the "Wonderful Water" theme, as it encourages students to explore and appreciate different bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes, depicted in the story.

Imagination and Adventure: The protagonist's summer adventure on the raft fosters creativity and imagination. This can inspire students to think about their own experiences with water, whether at a lake, river, or beach, thus making personal connections to the lesson content.

Educational Activities

Mapping Water Bodies: After reading "The Raft," students could create maps of the journey taken in the story. This activity helps them understand geographical concepts related to water bodies and landforms, reinforcing their knowledge about where different types of water are found.

Discussion on Ecosystems: The book provides an opportunity to discuss ecosystems associated with water. Teachers can guide students in identifying various plants and animals that live in or around water, enhancing their understanding of biodiversity in aquatic environments.

Creative Writing Prompt: Students can be encouraged to write their own stories about a day spent on a raft or exploring a body of water. This not only reinforces their understanding of water but also develops their writing skills through imaginative storytelling.

Visual Learning

Illustrations as Learning Tools: The beautiful illustrations in "The Raft" can serve as visual aids to discuss different water landscapes. Teachers can point out specific features in the images that relate to the lesson's objectives, such as rivers, reflections on water, and surrounding flora.

In summary, "The Raft" by Jim LaMarche is an effective resource for teaching Year 2 Geography's "Wonderful Water" lesson by fostering engagement through themes of nature and adventure while providing various interactive activities that reinforce geographical concepts related to water.