A nautical reminder that there is value in different strengths and skills. Little Ferry is patient, steadfast, and punctual, but she longs to be fast and noisy like Speedboat, blithe and lithe as Sailboat, or even bold and fearless like Tugboat. But try as she might, Little Ferry can't quite emulate the other vessels. Unsurprisingly, it's not long before an emergency arises and Little Ferry uses her strengths to save the day. A mixture of double-page spreads and smaller panels pop with bright blue, nautical red, and crisp white. The linework is pleasing and supports the overall graphic design tone with familiar elements of both Virginia Burton's and Stephen Savage's works. Human sightseers have a variety of skin tones and hair colors. The big eyes, tiny mouths, and pink cheeks of the anthropomorphized watercraft are pleasant but lack emotional expression at times. The plot is well worn and devoid of novel twists, though the brief, descriptive narrative is suitable for reading aloud to ferry-frenzied little ones. However, it likely won't resonate with youngsters with limited boating exposure, and the story and artwork aren't quite strong enough to make this a compelling introduction to the topic for those readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Charming for coastal ferry-riding kids but less enticing for the landlocked. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Traveling between land and an island wildlife refuge, Little Ferry is careful, reliable, and quiet--and feels unappreciated by her passengers, who cheer "rough and fearless" Tugboat; velocity-centric Speedboat; and "carefree and graceful" Sailboat. Attempting one day to compete with the others for attention, Little Ferry is told, "You certainly were not made for THIS!" But when the island's inhabitants need evacuating during a fire, the very qualities that make the other vessels flashy also render them ineffectual: "Little Ferry was quiet as she neared the shore. She was slow and careful as she lowered her ramp. And she was patient as she waited for the animals to climb on." This tale of a mild-mannered entity coming into her own has a familiar trajectory, including a "You got this!" moment when self-doubt strikes. But Otis's (Cold Turkey) narration offers a subtle intensity, conveyed alongside layered watercolor-like digital spreads that balance cartoon anthropomorphism and action with ample color and texture. His use of blue is particularly noteworthy: from the lightest of sky-blue washes to the bay's iridescent striations, the setting fully lives up to its description as "a place with more water than land." Ages 4--8. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Aug.)