Vo, Young. Makers. Young Vo, Illus. Levine Querido, 8/2024. [46]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-449-5. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.
Two apprentice boat makers are very different: one is constantly changing plans and designs while in the midst of building, and the other wants his boat to be perfect, never finalizing the plans and taking forever to build anything. After graduation they move to opposite sides of town, spending their days building boats. One always has many problems and the other never finishes a single boat. After an eventual reunion, they realize that working together is better. Pencil and ink illustrations highlight their different styles, attention, and focus, specifically how one is wild and active and the other is neat and detail-oriented. The short, single sentences explain what is happening and don’t compete with the deep pastel colors that portray the tropical island setting. The boys are both brown skinned with black or brown hair.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library