Lily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, Matt Myers
Published by Candlewick Press on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 1536214035
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Once I got over my expectation that this book is set on the Great Lakes instead of the ocean, I enjoyed this story about the plucky little sailboat that saves a flotilla of tall ships. The other characters are cargo ships, speedy fishing vessels, and bossy tugboat. The tall ships – which are wonderful illustrations – are silent so cannot give a signal for the bridge to rise so Lily saves the day … or rather the ships. Luscious oil painted illustrations add much to the story. The “Author’s Note” at the end provides fascinating information about bridges. Anyone interested in boats and bridges will enjoy this story. Also a fun readaloud with the onomatopoeia sounds, such as a blast of the horn, “OOHHH-pen. OOHHH-pen.” And the bridge answers: “OOHHH-kay. OOHHH-kay.” Will pair nicely with “Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey” by Maira Kalman.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library