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Float

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Float 
By Daniel Miyares
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015. Picture Book.

In this simple yet beautiful wordless picture book a young boy takes his paper boat out to play in the rainy weather. As the heavy storm gradually clears up the boy experiences the joy of jumping in puddles and racing his boat down the street. However, when the boat floats down a sewer drain the boy is left feeling devastated. After a depressing walk home, the boy dries off, warms up and gets ready for his next adventure.

 In this Caldecott contender, Miyares creates an engaging story that is full of emotion by using stunning illustrations filled with grays and blacks that bring the stormy day to life. The boy in the bright yellow rain coat, whose feelings are unmistakable, invites the reader to share in his ups and downs. Young children who are not yet experienced readers will love the wordless format which is used seamlessly to construct an extraordinary book centered on an ordinary event.
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