Out Into the Big Wide Lake - by Paul Harbridge (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A picture book about a girl who spends the summer with her family at a lake and learns to become more self-reliant."--

Book Synopsis

An empowering and necessary picture book about a young girl with Down syndrome who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents.

It's Kate's first time visiting her grandparents on her own at their lakeside home. She's nervous but excited at the adventure ahead.

She helps her grandfather with his grocery deliveries by boat, where she meets all the neighbors, including a very grumpy old man named Walter. And she makes best friends with her grandparents' dog, Parbuckle.

Her grandmother even teaches her to pilot the boat all by herself!

When her grandfather takes ill suddenly, it's up to Kate -- but can she really make all those deliveries, even to grumpy old Walter? She has to try!

Based on the author's sister, Kate is a lovable, brave, smart and feisty character who will capture your heart in this gorgeous and moving story about facing fears and gaining independence.

Review Quotes

WINNER of the Ezra Jack Keats Best New Writer Award, 2021
Nominated for the 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for Young People's Literature -- Illustrated Books
One of CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2021 -- Starred Pick

"A heartening Canadian picture book with an emotionally resonant ending." --STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

"For many readers, especially the adults reading this book to young listeners, Out Into the Big Wide Lake will probably bring back good memories of times spent over their summers." --CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Colourful mixed-media ilustrations add visual appeal to this heartwarming story, and manage to capture the outdoor joys of summer vacation." --PostMedia

"Josée Bisaillon's artwork is swoonworthy. It wowed me right from the start." --Library Matters

"Out Into the Big Wide Lake is extraordinarily sensitive and beautiful, and Kate is an unforgettable character." --Imaginary Elevators

About the Author

PAUL HARBRIDGE is the author of the beloved and award-winning picture book When the Moon Comes, Helena's Voyage and several published short stories. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he works as a speech-language pathologist with adults with developmental disabilities. He and his wife, Isabel, live in Etobicoke, Ontario, and are the proud parents of Daniel and Helena.

JOSÉE BISAILLON has illustrated more than 30 children's books, including the award-winning The Snow Knows, as well as magazines and newspapers for adults, all around the world. Josée lives just outside of Montreal with her spouse, their three children, one hairless cat and many paper characters.