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Yellow Kayak
A child and his beloved best friend go on a grand sea adventure in this magical picture book by the author and artist who created If I Had a Little Dream .
You just never know what a new day will hold if you are brave enough to find out. On one quiet afternoon, a boy and his special friend’s unexpected adventure bring joy and excitement and sights never imagined. And the best part of any adventure is returning home with stories to tell and you best friend at your side.
You just never know what a new day will hold if you are brave enough to find out. On one quiet afternoon, a boy and his special friend’s unexpected adventure bring joy and excitement and sights never imagined. And the best part of any adventure is returning home with stories to tell and you best friend at your side.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2018
4 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 31, 2018
The illustrations are beautiful, turquoise, pinky red, and mustard yellow, the occasional overlap to make green. Wonderful patterns and interesting designs and viewpoints. I felt the rhyming text, consisting of four lines, two words on each line, on each double page spread didn't add anything to the story. I think I would have liked this more as a story with no text. Really lovely illustrations though, I think this would be magical and comforting for a child to look through before going to sleep.
October 15, 2018
The cover drew me in, but unfortunately, that's about the only thing I liked about this book.
Yes, the illustrations are cute. But I have a big problem with them: they don't match the text on multiple occasions! And you just know that kids are going to notice something like that. It starts on the very first page with the text:
Now, what colour does the sky appear to you? Because it looks pink to me.
I suppose you could argue that the turquoise stuff is the sky, but I interpreted that as clouds... and I'd be surprised if I was the only one who did.
Later in the book, it happens again:
This time, it's even more confusing, as grey isn't even in the colour palette... but you could perhaps argue that, this time, the sky is navy:
There are also some elements that I found confusing (on the second page, there's a picture of what looks like a beached whale, which horrified me at first; it took a few seconds of looking to realize it was a badly drawn seal). At one point, there's a smiling shark below the boat, and neither the boy nor his friend seem particularly worried (in fact, the giraffe's sticking his head below the surface!)... but then, when some whales come along, they're suddenly in danger:
Hulking monsters? Danger? Is this some sort of pro-whaling propaganda, or has the author just come off of reading Moby Dick?
And then there's the whole ridiculous premise, with a boy and his giraffe friend going off by themselves in a boat (arguably not a kayak, since they use one single-bladed paddle, while most kayakers use a double-bladed one). Who lets their kid go off in a boat by themselves (I'm assuming the giraffe is imaginary because... well, why would there be a giraffe in the Pacific Northwest?) when there's a storm coming, and doesn't call the Coast Guard when they don't return home that night? There isn't even anyone waiting for them when they return (despite one of the first lines of the book, which talks about waving goodbye). It's just too unbelievable.
This book is going to make kids ask a lot of questions, but that's probably going to be more annoying than beneficial. And I wouldn't blame them one bit; so much about this book makes no sense, so you're left with no choice but to say, "What?!"
Yes, the illustrations are cute. But I have a big problem with them: they don't match the text on multiple occasions! And you just know that kids are going to notice something like that. It starts on the very first page with the text:
Yellow kayak.
Blue sky.
Paddle swiftly.
Wave good-bye.
Now, what colour does the sky appear to you? Because it looks pink to me.
I suppose you could argue that the turquoise stuff is the sky, but I interpreted that as clouds... and I'd be surprised if I was the only one who did.
Later in the book, it happens again:
Yellow kayak.
Gray sky.
Paddle carefully.
Seagulls cry.
This time, it's even more confusing, as grey isn't even in the colour palette... but you could perhaps argue that, this time, the sky is navy:
There are also some elements that I found confusing (on the second page, there's a picture of what looks like a beached whale, which horrified me at first; it took a few seconds of looking to realize it was a badly drawn seal). At one point, there's a smiling shark below the boat, and neither the boy nor his friend seem particularly worried (in fact, the giraffe's sticking his head below the surface!)... but then, when some whales come along, they're suddenly in danger:
Hulking monsters.
Spray blows.
Circle round.
Danger grows.
Hulking monsters? Danger? Is this some sort of pro-whaling propaganda, or has the author just come off of reading Moby Dick?
And then there's the whole ridiculous premise, with a boy and his giraffe friend going off by themselves in a boat (arguably not a kayak, since they use one single-bladed paddle, while most kayakers use a double-bladed one). Who lets their kid go off in a boat by themselves (I'm assuming the giraffe is imaginary because... well, why would there be a giraffe in the Pacific Northwest?) when there's a storm coming, and doesn't call the Coast Guard when they don't return home that night? There isn't even anyone waiting for them when they return (despite one of the first lines of the book, which talks about waving goodbye). It's just too unbelievable.
This book is going to make kids ask a lot of questions, but that's probably going to be more annoying than beneficial. And I wouldn't blame them one bit; so much about this book makes no sense, so you're left with no choice but to say, "What?!"
July 24, 2019
Wunderschöne Bilder in ganz besonderen Farben gehalten: Strahlend und doch zurückgenommen. Gibt es matte leuchtende Farben? Scheinbar schon!
Dazu die kleine wundervolle Reise, die ein aufregend ist, aber durch die gereimten Vierzeiler sehr niedlich klingt - also durchaus keine Ängste in Kindern wecken dürfte, weil immer eine positive letzte Zeile vorhanden ist!
Dazu die kleine wundervolle Reise, die ein aufregend ist, aber durch die gereimten Vierzeiler sehr niedlich klingt - also durchaus keine Ängste in Kindern wecken dürfte, weil immer eine positive letzte Zeile vorhanden ist!
February 27, 2019
A boy and his giraffe friend set out to sea in a yellow kayak in this lovely picture-book from author Nina Laden and illustrator Melissa Castrillón, who previously collaborated on
If I Had a Little Dream
. The simple but poetic text sets out their many exciting and perilous adventures, while the vibrantly colorful artwork accentuates the beauty of the marine world around them, and the tension of their passage through it...
Yellow Kayak is my first book from either Laden or Castrillón, but I certainly hope it will not be my last! The text is quite brief, with choppy little declarative sentences, but it is immensely expressive all the same: "Yellow kayak. / Blue sky. / Paddle swiftly. / Wave goodbye. / Fish jump. / Loons float. / Seal watch. / Little boat." The artwork is simply gorgeous, with an intense palette in which sea-greens and pinks predominate, and a stylized sensibility that feels simultaneously folksy and sophisticated. Recommended to anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated picture-books in general, or for seafaring tales for the younger picture-book set.
Yellow Kayak is my first book from either Laden or Castrillón, but I certainly hope it will not be my last! The text is quite brief, with choppy little declarative sentences, but it is immensely expressive all the same: "Yellow kayak. / Blue sky. / Paddle swiftly. / Wave goodbye. / Fish jump. / Loons float. / Seal watch. / Little boat." The artwork is simply gorgeous, with an intense palette in which sea-greens and pinks predominate, and a stylized sensibility that feels simultaneously folksy and sophisticated. Recommended to anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated picture-books in general, or for seafaring tales for the younger picture-book set.
July 11, 2022
"Land uit zicht. Golven groeien. Avontuur begint. Winden loeien."
Prachtig prentenboek over een gele kajak en avontuur op het water.
Prachtig prentenboek over een gele kajak en avontuur op het water.
June 7, 2018
The illustrations are gorgeous. I need this art in my life.
July 27, 2024
Dr. Seuss, is that you?? Fantastic color combinations.
April 5, 2022
Een avontuur, een reis. Maar vooral kinderlijke fantasie. Dat is het gevoel dat je krijgt bij een eerste aanblik van de Gele Kajak van Nina Laden met illustraties van Melissa Castrillon.
De vraag die meteen opkomt is of hier sprake is van een echt avontuur of een droom. De eerste illustratie van een slapend koppel, een klein kind en een grote giraf, doet denken dat het een droom is waar de lezer deelgenoot van mag zijn. Misschien ligt er ergens wel een klein kindje met een roze knuffelgiraf diep in dromenland, maar in deze wereld gaan ze samen op reis. In een gele kajak.
En in dromen kan en mag alles, maar is er vooral heel veel wonderlijks om naar uit te kijken. Zoals de prijkende futen en springende vissen. Het is een avontuur waar het zelfs nog een beetje spannend wordt, als een grote storm opsteekt.
Lees verder op www.booksandmacchiatos.com!
De vraag die meteen opkomt is of hier sprake is van een echt avontuur of een droom. De eerste illustratie van een slapend koppel, een klein kind en een grote giraf, doet denken dat het een droom is waar de lezer deelgenoot van mag zijn. Misschien ligt er ergens wel een klein kindje met een roze knuffelgiraf diep in dromenland, maar in deze wereld gaan ze samen op reis. In een gele kajak.
En in dromen kan en mag alles, maar is er vooral heel veel wonderlijks om naar uit te kijken. Zoals de prijkende futen en springende vissen. Het is een avontuur waar het zelfs nog een beetje spannend wordt, als een grote storm opsteekt.
Lees verder op www.booksandmacchiatos.com!
November 5, 2018
A child and a giraffe go out to sea in a yellow kayak. When a storm rises, they have more of an adventure than they bargained for, yet they see many marvelous animals and find help from unexpected friends.
This is told in short two word sentences laid out in rhyming quatrains throughout. The illustrations are packed with action and only done in pinks, aquas, and brownish-yellow with black and white outlines. The result is a lyrical sea story that feels like a refurbished antique. The story is pretty timeless and a little whimsical. Though there is a storm you never really feel worried about the boy or the giraffe. Hand this one to fans of lyrical stories, who like good rhyme and rhythm, and who enjoy animal tales and sea stories.
This is told in short two word sentences laid out in rhyming quatrains throughout. The illustrations are packed with action and only done in pinks, aquas, and brownish-yellow with black and white outlines. The result is a lyrical sea story that feels like a refurbished antique. The story is pretty timeless and a little whimsical. Though there is a storm you never really feel worried about the boy or the giraffe. Hand this one to fans of lyrical stories, who like good rhyme and rhythm, and who enjoy animal tales and sea stories.
March 21, 2018
This book is so beautiful! It has an almost dream-like quality throughout and follows a young boy and his Giraffe friend who embark on a kayak adventure and get caught up in a storm. The entire story is told through short punchy rhyming sequences, perfect for younger readers and I get a Dr Seuss-esque feeling as I looked at all the intricate underwater creatures and illustrations. Beautiful use of colours and a genuinely charming story.
April 25, 2018
A boy and a giraffe (?) set out in a yellow kayak and have many adventures including weathering a storm, getting lost, and getting found. Kinda weird.
Illustrations are beautiful!
Illustrations are beautiful!
November 30, 2020
A simple poetry picture book for KS1 children with the loveliest rhymes and pastel images. The pictures invite the reader to join in with the journey by filling the page and giving them access to magical worlds under the sea, on top of mountains and inside humid jungles.
January 3, 2021
নিনা লেয়ডেনের ছড়াগুলো যেমন বিশ্রী, মেলিসা কাস্ত্রিয়োনের অলংকরণ তেমনই সুন্দর।
December 29, 2018
I really liked this book but think that, as often seems to be the way these days, the artwork is more for the adults than the children. This story, in the form of simple rhyme, is great for 5-8 year olds who read confidently but may get put off by too much text. Great for any little girl or boy who loves a maritime adventure!
February 15, 2019
A super beautiful and calming storybook! I'm not usually a fan of short rhyming patterns in childrens books but "Yellow Kayak" does it so well; the whole effect is charming and soothing all at once. Love this one.
June 7, 2018
Whaaaaaaaaat is going on here? I don't know and I don't care. But I love it.
Except when the rhythm of the words was off. Which was a few times.
Other than that, though--a wonderful trip for the whole family! Without the acid!
Except when the rhythm of the words was off. Which was a few times.
Other than that, though--a wonderful trip for the whole family! Without the acid!
April 25, 2020
The text is completely meh, but the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, so I'm still giving this 4 stars.
September 22, 2019
Rather pointless. The poetic text is mediocre - just rambling, mostly four word-pairs often without regard for rhythm. Illustrations have some charm and the colors are interesting.
May 28, 2020
Really pretty pictures. My 2 year old wasnt interested in reading the words and just wanted to see the pictures my 3 year told enjoyed the little foreboding poem style and pictures.
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December 30, 2020Όμορφη εικονογράφηση, εντυπωσιακή, σε κάνει να βυθίζεσαι και κοιτάζεις ξανά και ξανά τις εικόνες. Τα λογάκια με ομοιοκαταληξίες λιτά, ίσως λειτουργούν ως παρακίνηση να συμπληρώσει ο μικρός αναγνώστης από μόνος του την ιστορία ή να δώσει έμφαση στην εικόνα. Έχουν ρυθμό, ωστόσο βγάζουν μια αίσθηση σαν να κρατιέται ο συγγραφέας, σαν να λείπει κάτι.
Γενικά, υπάρχει ένα θέμα σε πολλά παιδικά αναγνώσματα με το κείμενο πλέον.
Γενικά, υπάρχει ένα θέμα σε πολλά παιδικά αναγνώσματα με το κείμενο πλέον.
April 27, 2021
Beautiful illustrations. I kind of expected a more cheerful adventure based on the cover art but a good portion of the book is peril and drama -- which is fine, just maybe preview if you have sensitive readers. I bristled that the whales are initially referred to as "hulking monsters" but then appreciated that it's the child's fear talking and the resolution is good. I would definitely look for more books by this illustrator in the future.
February 11, 2026
“Yellow Kayak” by Nina Laden and illustrated by Melissa Castrillón is delightful. I bought it unread and unvetted from the library sale. This is not my normal modus operandi— especially with kid books. Usually I want to recognize the author or the illustrator before buying. This book however, really did call out to me, and I broke my grey rule. And I'm glad that I did!
Yellow Kayak is an imaginative journey that a boy takes around the sea in his little boat. He faces beauty, danger, and adventure throughout the pages. It’s a simple story, but it's still sweet. However, the illustrations are what really sells the book.
⅗ for story. 5/5 for illustrations.
Yellow Kayak is an imaginative journey that a boy takes around the sea in his little boat. He faces beauty, danger, and adventure throughout the pages. It’s a simple story, but it's still sweet. However, the illustrations are what really sells the book.
⅗ for story. 5/5 for illustrations.
January 18, 2018
ooohh, super cute! this is a lovely picture book with intricate, colourful illustrations anyone would love. the rhyme scheme is perfect for those emerging little ones who are just putting words together (toddlers i'm looking at you) but would be fine for an older audience as well and keep their attention.
the story is about a young girl adventuring in a kayak. a subject near and dear to my heart (go girls)!
a good song pairing would be "orca whale" (jbrary, youtube.com)
the story is about a young girl adventuring in a kayak. a subject near and dear to my heart (go girls)!
a good song pairing would be "orca whale" (jbrary, youtube.com)
February 16, 2018
Beautiful art work!
January 3, 2020
Such a beautiful picture book.
April 12, 2021
Gorgeous illustrations paired with simple text that perfectly evoke wonder and imagination.
April 24, 2022
The story is okay, but the pictures were amazing!
July 10, 2022
Poetry books like this are honestly my favorite kind of childrens books
July 18, 2022
Prachtige illustraties, maar de tekst (bondig en op rijm) kon me helaas niet bekoren.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews