Ready, set, sail!

A roly-poly turtle and a take-charge tiger make for enthusiastic boaters in this cheery rhyming exploration of sailing. With their life jackets zipped and compass in hand, the two discover an island, swim among welcoming sea creatures (even the toothy shark looks friendly), and spot a purple whale. Turtle's physical antics will make readers smile: the rookie of the duo, he slips when the boat tips and later ducks into his shell when the boom swings around. As the sky turns pink, they call it a day, but not before heading to town to recount their adventures to a group of eager listeners. Reprising the reader-directed verse of her construction-themed Ready, Set, Build!, Fleming offers budding sailors a beginners' course in seamanship, filling the book with boating lingo and lessons: "Mainsheet flutters. Catch that gale./ Want it faster? Trim the sail!" Using layers of color and crayonlike detailing, Flowers mirrors Fleming's easygoing rhymes with bright, lively scenes that reflect both the hard work that goes into sailing and the fun to be had. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A tiger and turtle pal hit the high seas in an adventure full of vim and vigor.A captain (tiger) and first mate (turtle) set off for a day of sailing. "Aim the dinghy to your boat. / Row together. Stay afloat. // Shout your orders loud and fast. / Hoist the mainsail up the mast!' " A jaunty beat stays strong throughout, peppered with nautical lingo. The skipper is the more confident of the two; the poor turtle pitches backward as the boat rocks and must duck its head into its shell as the boom perilously swings around. The two friends find an island and drop anchor to explore. Snorkeling reveals a teeming underwater ecosystem full of expressive creatures (the smiling hammerhead shark peering at the glum blobfish is especially delightful). On the homeward journey a crowded waterway gives rise to a teachable moment: "Sails are calling. Lines are free. / Find the wind. Know the sea. // Mind the traffic. Go or stay? / Sailboats get the right-of-way." The lively rhythm makes this book inviting, while the sailing knowledge slips in some education. Bright, saturated illustrationsfrothy blue waters and hazy pink sunsetsround out the warmth.Landlubbers no more. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.