Author: Randall de Sève
Illustrator: Loren Long
Format: Hardcover
Published: Penguin Books, 2007

A boy in possession of a toy boat considers the boat more a friend than a plaything. "The boy loved the boat, and they were never apart. They bathed together. They slept together." The boy holds carefully to his boat on a string when they go sailing in the lake. But a sudden gust of wind frees the boat, who has always yearned to explore the open ocean. After a series of adventures and close calls with other personified boats, including an intimidating ferry and an arrogant speed boat, the beloved toy returns to its relieved owner. Long's striking illustrations paint the boy in a hyperrealistic style while conveying each of the boat's personalities.