Blue Floats Away

Little Blue is an iceberg, a lump of white floating in the sea near the North Pole, with pin-dot eyes that give him a perpetually surprised expression. As icebergs do, he breaks off from his parents ("I'll be back soon!") and, in a suspenseful sequence, drifts solo into the vast, white-capped ocean. After a period of viewing little but water, he spies objects in the waves--"New things.// Beautiful things"--which Snider (There Is a Rainbow) renders in simple, colorful triangles: dorsal fins, sailboat sails. Torn paper edges and shades of blue and orange provide striking contrasts. Intent on finding his way home, Blue encounters a new difficulty as the warm sun takes its toll "until he disappeared." But a transformation takes place, and a whole new existence opens up for the little iceberg, offering more adventures, new friends, and a gratifying conclusion. Animating the water cycle is a project that Jonker (The Very Last Castle) takes on with humor, drama, and even momentary twinges of fear. Though an author's note discusses climate change, the story's message also comforts, with a character who doesn't disappear but gracefully changes state. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Stephen Barbara, Inkwell Management. Illustrator's agent: Judy Hansen, Hansen Literary. (Mar.)

K-Gr 2--An iceberg grows up extremely bonded to his parents until a momentous day when he separates dramatically and begins a journey through the oceans and into the sky as the water cycle plays out. His reunion with his parents is very pleasing and surprising, and while it might strain scientific credulity, who doesn't love a happy ending? Charming, child-friendly illustrations in cut paper, colored pencil, and white ink convey the journey of a young iceberg and the wondrous beauty and variety of vistas along the way. VERDICT There are other books about the water cycle out there but the journey of the individual character and his wonder at the voyage brings an empathetic element that will engage young readers.--John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore