I was not confused by this art, but I was challenged by the use of panels to show the passage of time in Float. I am always drawn to small moments, and this is a small moment. I loved sharing this book with my second graders but could not quite put my finger on why. I would often have a strong response and then realize I was unable to articulate why I loved a particular book or style. When I was on the Real Committee, I was especially suspicious of my Deep Love for a book. Whenever I'm on a book award committee, I try to get help in looking at art or design that I either love or am confused by. The bright yellow sun on the final pages and the folded boat and paper airplane endpapers add to the charm. This quiet, moving story of a toy created, lost, and eventually remade is a nod to both a simpler time and a brighter future. The pink and blue of the folded paper boat allows the boy to recognize his toy, even after it goes down the sewer grate. The yellow raincoat, hat, and boots hold the little boy together and allow him to pop off the page. The use of color, especially the color yellow, moves the story forward. There is something inviting about the cover of this gentle wordless book, isn’t there? Slip off the jacket and be wowed by the case cover - a newspaper boat floating off to the right and into the sun. Is that Peter (of Ezra Jack Keats fame) on the cover of Daniel Miyares's Float? Might be.
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