Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No

Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together.

The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field by Scott Riley, illustrated by Nguyen Quant and Kim Lien. Millbrook Press, 2021, 40 pages.

Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 6-10

Koh Panyee is an island fishing village located off the coast of Thailand. Villagers practically live on top of the fish, as the village is built on stilts and walkways. As on all seacoasts, the tide goes in and out, laying bare the sand flats under the houses. But twice a month, extra-strong spring tides clear a sandbar just wide enough for soccer. That’s when the boys of Koh Panyee would paddle furiously out to the bar and play as many games as they could before the water covered their temporary field. It was too bad they couldn’t play every day. But what if they could make their own field, out of old Styrofoam and scrap lumber and empty barrels?

This true story from 1986 combines the universal love of sports with can-do spirit in an exotic location. Soccer fans and everyone else will be fascinated not only with the boys’ enterprise but with their determination to become champions. Lively illustrations with touches of Asian art styles add immensely to the appeal.

Overall Rating: 4 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4.5

*Hugo and the Impossible Thing by Renee Felice Smith and Chris Gabriel, illustrated by Sydney Hanson. Flamingo Books (Penguin Random House), 2021, 34 pages.

Reading Level: Picture book, ages 0-4

Recommended for: ages 2-6

“At the edge of the forest stood the Impossible Thing. It was a jumbled mess of giant boulders, thorny mazes, raging rivers, and towering cliffs.”  Hugo, a stubby, loveable little bulldog, has been wondering what might be at the top of those cliffs, but everybody says it’s impossible to get there. Is “everybody” correct? Has anybody ever tried? Hugo decides he can at least try, and maybe some of his friends could help. Not likely—big strong Mr. Bear and clever Little Fox and swift Miss Otter and grouchy Old Goat all try to discourage him: “the Impossible Thing has always been impossible.” But maybe the determination of one little dog could change their minds.

The classic picture-book formula of animal characters and repetitive theme makes this a winner for little ones (and older ones will love reading it to their younger siblings). The pictures have a soft-edged simplicity and charm that steers just clear of too-cuteness. I dare you not to go awww when Miss Otter shows up. The message of everyone working together to accomplish a goal is one even the littlest lap-sitter can understand—and maybe even remember.

Overall Rating: 4.75 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4.5
• Artistic/literary value: 5

Yes & No by Elisha Cooper. Roaring Brook, 2021, 32 pages.

Reading Level: Picture book, ages 0-4

Recommended for: ages 1-4

In a cozy house, a puppy and a cat wake up together. What’s in store for the day? For the puppy, everything is yes Yes YES! For the cat . . . maybe. If I feel like it. The story plays out as a dialogue between the pets and their owner, e.g. “Are you both excited for the day? Yes, I am excited [from the tail-wagging pup, and from the cat:] Hmpff.” The puppy’s play is too rambunctious for the house, and eventually even for the back yard. “Both of you. Go! And look out for each other.” So the two go wandering, first apart, then gradually coming together as they explore new territory. It turns out to be a good day for both, even though puppy is worn out by the end. “Are you ready for bed?” Yes. And the cat? Hmmm . . .

Doggies and kitties are a reliable delight of toddlerhood. This straightforward narrative, with much character and emotion expressed in simple lines, is a perfect good-night book for little ones (who will soon learn to recognize the words Yes and No).  The nicely rounded ending, as doghood and catness reassert themselves, makes for a peaceful way to round out any day.

Overall Rating: 4.5

• Worldview/moral value: 4
• Artistic/literary value: 5

Read more about our ratings here.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Review: Relive the drama of another Thai boys’ soccer team with Titan and the Wild Boars.
• Review: Speaking of “impossible,” how about Impossible Inventions: Ideas That Shouldn’t Work?
• Reviews: Other excellent picture books by Elisha Cooper: Big Cat, Little Cat and Train.
• Review: More high puppy-spirits in Katherine Applegate’s new chapter-book series, Doggo and Pupper.

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