Lynas's cumulative narrative tells the raucous tale of a goat, a stoat, and their boat-size quarrel in this rigorously rhymed picture book. Introductions set the tone: "This is the goat/ in the colorful coat/ that saw the stoat/ that played in the boat." After the fashionable cud-chewer jumps, uninvited, onto Stoat's sailboat, havoc ensues until the pair's tussling causes them to fall overboard—naturally, into a moat. While Goat simply floats, Stoat flails anxiously. Luckily, the mustelid's rival makes a kind, friendship-inspiring suggestion: "A stoat can float ON a goat in the moat." Pop coloring and energetic spreads communicate the chaos of the encounter—as the two chase between the stern and bow, the tilting action requires the book be turned, as well. The unlikely crewmates' path to camaraderie makes for a gaily reiterative readaloud that's silly, and, eventually, sociable, too. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)

PreS-Gr 2—A happy stoat (also known as an ermine) is enjoying its time on a boat until the boat is spotted by a goat (who happens to be wearing a colorful coat) who insists on hopping aboard! What ensues is a humorous romp filled with rhyme as both the stoat and goat attempt to inhabit the boat. Lynas's text rolls off the tongue, creating a story that is a joyful tug-of-war between two endearing characters. Hunt's brightly colored, painted paper collage-style illustrations bring the story to life by shifting our orientation of the characters and the page, mimicking the rocking and wobbling of the boat. This is an excellent story for a read-aloud that will elicit laughter and participation, as well as a motivating text for early and developing readers. A QR code to access an audio reading of the book is included on the back cover. VERDICT A first purchase. Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's Fox in Socks and Nurit Karlin's The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat, this story will have readers laughing while trying to keep up with the stoat and the goat.—Sarah Pousty