Books like 'The Raft'
Readers who enjoyed The Raft by Jim LaMarche also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
action / adventure outdoors animals realistic family children season-summer exploration
-
Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA tale about self-confidence and taking a leap of faith, starring a kingfisher... -
One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA Caldecott Honor Book!Today is a specidal day for Sal because she gets to go to Buck's Harbour with her dad. But when she wakes up to brush her teeth with her baby sister, she discovers something shocking... -
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsCome along on a bear hunt in this award-winning classic from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one.. Will you come too? For more than twenty-five years readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through this award-winning favorite... -
All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA picture book celebration of love by the Newbery Medal–winning author, Patricia MacLachlan, with luminous paintings by Mike Wimmer. Within the sanctuary of a loving family, baby Eli is born and, as he grows, learns to cherish the people and places around him, eventually passing on what he has discovered to his new baby sister, Sylvie: “All the places to love are here . . -
-
Hike by Pete Oswald
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsTake to the trails for a celebration of nature—and a day spent with dad.In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they're going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest...Categorized as:
outdoors family realistic children animals season-summer children-books action-adventure -
The Magic School Bus Spins A Web: A Book About Spiders by Tracey West, Joanna Cole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTransported inside a sci-fi movie about giant bugs, Ms... -
The Gift of Dark Hollow by Kieran Larwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Longburrow series is Middle-earth for middle graders as readers are drawn deeper and deeper into the story of the young rabbit Podkin One-Ear fighting to save his land from evil. Hiding with fellow refugees, Podkin, Paz, and Pook are temporarily safe in Dark Hollow Warren. But their enemies—the evil Gorm—still search for them... -
In a Jar by Deborah Marcero
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLlewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls...Categorized as:
animals outdoors children children-books fiction fantasy friendship action-adventure -
Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen curious Penguin finds a lost pinecone in the snow, their friendship grows into something... -
Just Grandma and Me by Mercer Mayer
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsCelebrate Mother's Day - and your Grandma - with this classic Little Critter book! Mercer Mayer's Little Critter is spending a day at the beach with his grandma in this classic, funny, and heartwarming book. Celebrating the special bond between a grandparent and grandchild, this beloved story is the perfect gift for Mother's Day . . -
A Letter to My Teacher: A Teacher Appreciation Gift by Deborah Hopkinson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDear Teacher, Whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I'm writing a letter. So begins this picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning and the teacher who gently inspires her...Categorized as:
realistic children animals children-books fiction friendship action-adventure epistolary -
Lizzy and the Cloud by Terry Fan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom the critically acclaimed, award-winning creators of Ocean Meets Sky and The Night Gardener comes a whimsical and sweet tale of a young girl who cares for her pet cloud as it grows.It’s a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn’t mind. She’s not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that’s right for her. And she finds it in Milo... -
Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSeparation and miles cannot keep a determined cardinal from his loved one in an ode to serendipity and belief that is destined to be a new Christmas classic. Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree... -
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWith enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea. But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when onel playful whale decides to say hello. Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying! How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch? Down to the Sea with Mr... -
-
The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant, Stephen Gammell
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe relatives' station wagon: it smelled like a real car, looked like a rainbow, and was roomy enough for a crowd. Lucky! Because a big crowd in all shapes and sizes piled into that old wagon at four o'clock one summer morning and piled out of it the next day at their relatives' place on the north side of the mountains. All in good moods...Categorized as:
children exploration family realistic season-summer action-adventure book children-books -
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee: by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when all of a sudden they find themselves plunging down a mountain and teetering on the edge of a huge waterfall! How will they find their way out of this slippery situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, has filled this new adventure with charming illustrations and a playful, rhyming text...Categorized as:
animals outdoors children season-summer realistic children-books humor action-adventure -
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom a critically acclaimed creator comes this summery picture book featuring an overheated--and overwhelmed--pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. It's summer in the city, and this hot dog has had enough! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face... -
Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe sky’s no limit as the author-illustrator of The Dot and Ish winds up his Creatrilogy with a whimsical tale about seeing the world a new way.Marisol loves to paint... -
Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA determined snail.A plump cabbage.A truly epic journey . . .In a book as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of a slow but steady snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship... -
Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain: A Nandi Tale by Verna Aardema
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA cumulative rhyme relating how Ki-pat brought rain to the drought-stricken Kapiti Plain. Verna Aardema has brought the original story closer to the English nursery rhyme by putting in a cumulative refrain and giving the tale the rhythm of “The House That Jack Built...Categorized as:
animals children exploration family outdoors season-summer action-adventure black-mc -
The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Mary Ellen gets bored with her reading, Grandpa knows a hunt for a bee tree is just what she needs. Half the town joins the exciting chase, but it's not until everyone returns home that Mary Ellen makes a discovery of her own: Sometimes, even the sweetest of things must be worked for... -
A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn this moving companion to the Caldecott Honor–winning They All Saw a Cat, Brendan Wenzel tells the story of a seemingly ordinary stone. But it isn't just a stone—to the animals that use it, it's a resting place, a kitchen, a safe haven...even an entire world... -
Outside In: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner by Deborah Underwood
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOutside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. Our connection with nature is not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors... -
Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMicha Archer's detailed collages give readers an outlook on the splendors of nature.When two curious kids embark on a wonder walk, they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light...Categorized as:
outdoors children season-summer realistic children-books fiction action-adventure siblings -
-
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA celebration of the power of imagination from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning creator of Not a BoxExperience the thrill of the moment when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real!Following the critically acclaimed Not a Box, this book proves that a stick is not always just a stick... -
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWinner of the 2018 Caldecott MedalA girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Wolf in the Snow is a book set on a wintry night that will spark imaginations and warm hearts, from Matthew Cordell, author of Trouble Gum and Another Brother... -
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA VERY classic from Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar!When a very lonely firefly goes out into the night searching for other fireflies, it sees a lantern, a candle, and the eyes of a dog, cat, and owl all glowing in the darkness. It even sees a surprise celebration of light... -
The Fantastic Flying Journey by Gerald Durrell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGerald Durrell, one of the world's leading naturalists, combines his knowledge of wildlife with adventure to produce a fascinating journey through the world of animals. Empowered with the gift of speaking to animals, three children travel the world learning about wildlife. Full-color illustrations... -
The Pink Refrigerator by Tim Egan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Try to do as little as possible.” This was Dodsworth’s motto. One morning, on his daily trip to the junkyard, he discovers a pink refrigerator.There’s not much to say about a pink refrigerator, except this one had a note on it. The note said, “Paint pictures.” And so Dodsworth did.The next day, a new note appeared on the pink refrigerator. And the day after that, and the day after that... -
Summer Is Here by Renée Watson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York Times bestselling creators Renée Watson and Bea Jackson offer a picture book ode to a picture-perfect summer day, from sunrise to sunset.Summer is here!No dark clouds in the sky,it's a perfect day for play.What joy will summer bring me today?Summer is finally here, and she's bringing the most perfect day! From sunup to sundown, there's so much to do on this lovely summer day...Categorized as:
family season-summer children outdoors children-books action-adventure fiction friendship -
Eva and Baby Mo: A Branches Book by Rebecca Elliott
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
Journey on a Runaway Train by Gertrude Chandler Warner, Anthony VanArsdale
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn this all-new very special mini-series, the Aldens have been recruited by a secret society to return lost artifacts and treasures to their rightful locations―all around the world! After finding a painted turtle figurine, the Aldens are introduced to the Silverton family and Reddimus Society, a secret guild whose mission is to return lost artifacts and treasures to the sites they were taken from...Categorized as:
realistic children exploration family mystery children-books action-adventure fiction -
Gorilla Dawn by Gill Lewis
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTwo children captured by a band of rebel soldiers in the Congo vow to protect an orphaned gorilla baby in this powerful, thought-provoking, and vividly compelling novel from award-winning storyteller Gill Lewis.Deep in the heart of the Congo, a baby gorilla is captured by a group of rebel soldiers. Imara and Bobo are also prisoners in the rebels’ camp...Categorized as:
animals children exploration outdoors realistic action-adventure book children-books -
The Storm by Cynthia Rylant
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife with only the sea can be lonely. Just ask Pandora and Seabold. They've lived most of their lives with the sea -- Pandora in a lighthouse and Seabold on a boat -- and they're each quite used to being alone. Or they were... -
-
The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCelebrate the season with this New York Times bestselling wintry tale that will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor all winter long! In the merry tradition of classics like The Polar Express, this special picture book captures the holiday spirit... -
Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA lyrical lullaby imbued with traditional Inuit beliefsThis bedtime poem, written by internationally acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts bestowed upon a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic. Lyrically and lovingly written, this visually stunning book is infused with the Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants... -
My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA story of first friendship.she is my best friend i think i never had a best friend so i’m not sure but i think she is a really good best friend because when we were drawing she drew me and i drew her... -
B Is for Baby by Atinuke
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsB is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba! Baby’s brother is getting ready to take a basket of bananas all the way to Baba’s bungalow in the next village. He will have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge... -
The Bear Report by Thyra Heder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA girl and a polar bear take a stunning journey through the Arctic in this award-winning picture book from the author-illustrator of Alfie and How Do You Dance?What’s there to say about polar bears? They’re big. They’re mean. They eat things. Bor-ing. At least that’s how Sophie feels when she sits down to do her homework... -
A Little Bit Brave by Nicola Kinnear
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLogan is a stay-at-home bunny - but he's about to discover how brave he really is.It's time for his first adventure, and he doesn't want to go. But there's an amazing world outside, if he can just pluck up courage to look . . .A Little Bit Brave is a funny, reassuring picture book which shows that we're all a lot braver than we think...Categorized as:
animals children exploration children-books action-adventure fiction humor friendship -
Tiny, Perfect Things by M.H. Clark
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe whole world is a treasure waiting to be found. Open your eyes and see the wonderful things all around. This is the story of a child and a grandfather whose walk around the neighborhood leads to a day of shared wonder as they discover all sorts of tiny, perfect things together... -
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt's the first day of kindergarten and Miss Bindergarten is hard at work getting the classroom ready for her twenty-six new students. Meanwhile, Adam Krupp wakes up, Brenda Heath brushes her teeth, and Christopher Beaker finds his sneaker. Miss Bindergarten puts the finishing touches on the room just in time, and the students arrive... -
Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? by Nancy White Carlstrom
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn lilting verse and exuberant paintings, the first of Nancy White Carlstrom’s and Bruce Degen’s celebrated Jesse Bear books creates a special day not only for Jesse Bear, but for young children everywhere.What does a little bear wear while he romps through a bright and sunny day? In the morning, his pants that dance, a rose between his toes, and the sun on his legs that run... -
Float by Daniel Miyares
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA boy’s small paper boat—and his large imagination—fill the pages of this wordless picture book, a modern-day classic from the creator of Pardon Me! that includes endpaper instructions for building a boat of your own.A little boy takes a boat made of newspaper out for a rainy-day adventure... -
-
Wild Life by Cynthia C. DeFelice
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsErik is preparing for his first-ever hunting trip when he learns that his parents are being deployed to Iraq. A few days later, Erik is shipped off to North Dakota to live with Big Darrell and Oma, grandparents he barely knows. When Erik rescues a dog that's been stuck by a porcupine, Big Darrell says Erik can't keep him. But Erik has already named her Quill and can't bear to give her up... -
This Is Sadie by Sara O'Leary
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSadie is a little girl with a big imagination. She has been a girl who lived under the sea and a boy raised by wolves. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairytales. She whispers to the dresses in her closet and talks to birds in the treetops. She has wings that take her anywhere she wants to go, but that always bring her home again... -
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFroggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation... -
Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSometimes being small can have its advantages. If you're a little cloud like Cloudette, people call you cute nicknames, and you can always find a good spot to watch the fireworks. But what about when you want to do something big, like help a giant garden grow, or make a brook babble?This charming book gets at the heart of what it means to make a difference no matter your size...Categorized as:
animals children outdoors season-summer action-adventure book children-books fiction -
The Tale of a Hero by Mark Mulle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsGENRE: Children's Adventure Steve is a player who can find an adventure to be had every day. However a new adventure has found its way to him. Day-to-day life in Minecraft is beginning to become speckled with strange occurrences. Half-built homes, leafless trees, overpowered mobs and unknown entities only scratch the surface of the bizarre events Steve will encounter... -
This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom the illustrator of the #1 smash hit The Day the Crayons Quit comes the age-old tale of a boy and his moose . . . Wilfred is a boy with rules. He lives a very orderly life. It's fortunate, then, that he has a pet who abides by rules, such as not making noise while Wilfred educates him on his record collection...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.