The First Boat - by Gregory J Burch (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The First Boat is a lyrical tale of discovery and wanderlust.

A young boy from Maine longs to follow in the wake of a fabled sea captain, to sail the ocean round in a green boat, see whales spouting rainbows in the sky, and find a mermaid. Despite the bullying laughter of many, he pursues a dream to embark upon his own adventure.

This richly illustrated, timeless tale is certain to inspire gentle dreams and become a family favorite.

The story opens just after the world began. A 10-year-old sea captain sails the new world steeped in awesome beauty. Humanity and nature resonate with delight. Whales abound and spray rainbows into the sky. The wonderous world is revealed to the captain. He meets a mermaid in his travels and together they sail looking for pine trees and lobsters. They discover Maine.

Eons pass. Then another young boy comes into the world. He is Samuel from Maine. He longs to sail the oceans like the first captain. When Samuel openly expresses his desire, he is roundly jeered, but not for the reason you may think. This episode exposes the absurdity of bullying, and how everyone will pile on a joke at others expense. Samuel is resolute and eventually launches his own ocean adventure.

Eons pass. And a new generation is invited to dream.

Review Quotes

A Pure delight! The 'First Boat' is joyful, interesting, funny, playful and spiritual. Yes, all that in one book! (And those words apply to the lavish illustrations just as much as they apply to the text and story.) Gregory Burch has an intuitive sense for what captivates the imagination of children. This story has adventure and travel as well as a love and appreciation for the wonders of our natural world. I've read this with my grandchildren, and they can't get enough! Five stars!

This is my family's new favorite book! My children (5 year old boy, and 2 year old girl) love the story and the beautiful illustrations, and it's our new bedtime and naptime go-to book. The story is very sweet, and a little silly. It reminds me of Robert McCloskey's books set on the Maine coast, but with a little more whimsy. The illustrations are the real showstopper- they are all gorgeous and so detailed. A wonderful book for any family!

A well-conceived, touching Gift of Love!

An Imaginative Vision of wonder, curiosity and a sense of destiny; woven together with whimsical views of dreams, a love of Creation and embellished with Joy-filled Art.

Beautifully illustrated and beautifully written. It's so easy to lose oneself in the exquisite color, but the story is just as wonderful. Delightful story for readers, both young and old and in between.

This was a delightful take that combines myth and biblical events in a whimsical way that is sure to enchant young readers. It takes us from the first days to a modern adventure for a young boy who is not afraid to set out to follow his dreams despite negative comments. It teachers good lessons with delightful childlike drawing that will captivate its readers. Mr. Burch has a marvelous imagination and talent for art that young readers will certainly identify with.