This is a thoroughly West Coast book. All about riding the B.C. Ferries, an experience well known to anyone who lives on our little peninsula here. Pearl rode the Queen of Surrey for the first time when she was just three days old, on her way home from the hospital in Vancouver. Fittingly, we barely missed the previous ferry and had to wait two hours for the next one, sitting in our car, first in line. We told Pearl that she had better get used to waiting around for ferries.
Robert Perry’s simple rhymes, accompanied by Greta Guzek’s distinctive illustrations show an idyllic view of this trip. And it is a beautiful trip. While locals may complain about our marine highway, the ride can be as magical as this children’s book portrays it. It’s not uncommon to spot whales, to wave at kayakers, or to simply enjoy the sun and wind on the deck.
Guzek’s style is instantly recognizable and she’s a Sunshine Coast artist who’s well known in these parts. Nightwood Editions is also based here on the Coast. While the book obviously appeals to locals, I think it’s charms would translate well to anyone who likes being by the sea. I’ve given it as a gift to people with children in order to encourage them to come visit!
Karissa Reads Books 
Great idea about encouraging visitors! I wonder if there’s an equivalent for the Canadian prairies…
Have you ever seen David Bouchard’s books? He has one called “If You’re Not From the Prairies…” Might do the trick!
[…] Boat Ride – This is a Coast classic and I’ve blogged about it before. (Check it out here.) Pearl loves it and it depicts a fairly important aspect of where we live. (Since our community is […]