Tugboat
Michael Garland, Author and Illustrator
Holiday House, Nonfiction, 2014
Suitable for ages: 4-7
Themes: Tugboats do big jobs, Transportation
Opening: “The day begins. The tugboat rests at the dock.”
Synopsis: The red tugboat named the Hudson is docked and waiting for the crew to board. The little boat is ready to do big jobs. It tugs large cargo ships into a port, pulls heavy barges filled with coal or stinky garbage, nudges a cruise ship into port, pulls tall ships and tows a barge carrying the Willis Avenue Bridge. The tugboat may seem small, but it works in all kinds of weather and is built to do important jobs that other larger boats can’t do alone.
Why I like this book: This is another captivating early reader for children by Michael Garland. The text is very simple for young children to read to themselves. Kids will also learn about the adventures of the tugboat and the life and the activity of the crew on board. If you look closely the captain of the tugboat will look very familiar. Children will pour over the double-page spreads of Garland’s colorful digital illustrations. They are stunning, realistic and give children a feel for how important a tugboat is to transportation. Tugboat is a keeper that will be read again and again. Garland has published two other early reader books, Fish Had a Wish and Car Goes Far, which are ideal for kids in preschool and kindergarten.
Resources: Garland includes a glossary at the end of the many types of boats a tugboat assists. He includes a page about the Willis Avenue Bridge which was towed on a barge down the Hudson River from Albany to New York City. If you live near a large river like the Mississippi River or along the coasts where tugboats are visible, plan a field trip to show children how hard the tugboats work. Check out Michael Garland’s website for information about all of his books.
Congratulations Susanna Leonard Hill for the 100th Picture Book Friday!!! Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
Great review, Pat! Your review of this book somehow reminded me a lot of Toy Boat.
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Glad you enjoyed the review!
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I love this book! The pictures alone are worth the read!
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I agree. With such simple text, the beautiful illustrations carry the book. I really love Michael Garland’s books.
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‘Tis amazing how big a job a small Tug can do. I know, as I had my barge towed by one.
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I have always been amazed that such a small tugboat can handle so many big jobs. Love watching them. I’m curious, what you mean by “your barge being towed by one?”
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I had a barge which we converted into a houseboat a long time ago, and a small tug towed it to a mooring.
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Wow, you lived on a houseboat. Cool!
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I love Michael’s style, what a great subject to do Tugboat next. I look forward to reading this, Pat.
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Yes, his illustrations are so eye-popping. Kids fall in love with the artwork! This one will be a winner too.
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Just put this one on reserve at my library. Thanks for the lovely review Pat!
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You love the artwork! It’s a great book for kids learning to read on their own.
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One of my Garland faves!
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It is a wonderful book. I have too many favorite Garland books.
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No need to choose!
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🙂
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I was introduced to Michael’s work weeks ago through Susanna’s contest. Looks like I’ve got another title to add to my list. Thanks for the review.
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Look at his site Joanne, because he has written and published so many beautiful picture books. I’d recognize his work anywhere. I love his Christmas books, Grandpa’s Tractor, Super Snow Day…and many more.
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Love Michael Garland’s art! I’ll have to put this on the list for the grandboys especially.
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You’ll enjoy the gorgeous illustrations! Hope you find it for your grandboys.
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This looks like one that my library kids will love! I’ll have to check it out! Thanks Ms Tilton!
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Yes, it would be a great book to read to the classrooms you visit.
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This looks GORGEOUS – and I know I’ve read another Michael Garland book (and loved it), but I can’t recall which. Defiitely gonna put a request in for this at my library. Thanks so much, Patricia!
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I love to share his books because they are fun and the illustrations so beautiful! Hope you get a copy!
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Oh the book is gorgeous to look at and I am sure the kids would love this. We have tug boats here too so its universal. Thanks for sharing, Pat.
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Glad you enjoyed the review. The illustrations are gorgeous. You’re right, Tugboat has universal appeal.
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You have piqued my interest! Who is the very familiar tugboat captain? I shall have to find the book. 🙂
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LOL! You are the first to comment on the tugboat captain. I’m not going to tell. This is a great book for kids wanting to read on their own.
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I love tugboats! This looks like a fun book – definitely going to be reading it before I take a field trip to the City (where I plan to check out tugboats).
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Yes, I am in awe of tugboats after seeing them for over 40 yrs ago. I think you enjoy the simplicity of the text and the gorgeous illustrations.
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Wonderful choice, Ms. Tilton! I think I have to check this out now! 🙂
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Erik, I know you’d enjoy the simplicity and illustrations! So would Josie.
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