My students really loved this book; they thought that Kate was a very empathetic character and they commented that the illustrations were especially beautiful. We thought the story of Kate learning to become more independent was something we all could learn from. There were some neat context clues that told us that Kate has Down Syndrome, and it led to some good inferencing. We also really liked that the book celebrates differences, and showed how families are all different. This is a book I will be purchasing for my classroom when it comes out. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

One thing I know for sure - this story made me tear up. The author perfectly portrays this touching story about a young girl’s summer spent with her grandparents. They teach her how to operate the small boat, and she helps deliver groceries. But it’s when a crisis occurs that Kate comes to the rescue. And she does so just like her grandpa showed her. A thoughtful young girl learns how to rely on herself and be brave.
Want to know why I got emotional reading this? Read it for yourself and find out.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I really wanted to love this book because of the premise. The sweet, tender story of family resonated, as did the lake setting and the "first time" feelings of the main character. A reader could almost smell and hear the lake. However, I found I had to read it several times to get all of the nuance intended. It felt as though the story had been edited and revised a few too many times and some clarity was lost.

This was a beautifully illustrated book, but I feel like it was a tad bit too long. I really enjoyed the storyline even though it was a little too long for me.

"Out into the Big Wide Lake" is a heart-warming story of a young girl (Kate) who gains independence during a visit to her grandparent's home on the big wide lake. I was initially intrigued by this title because the author is Canadian and the story focuses on a young girl's relationship with her grandparents.

As mentioned in the dedication, the character of Kate has Down Syndrome, although it is never mentioned throughout the story. I appreciated how Harbridge did not emphasize this but rather showed the reader who Kate is because Kate is so much more than her disorder. Kate is a kind, brave and empathetic young girl. It is also incredibly sweet that the author based Kate on his younger sister.

"Out into the Big Wide Lake" Is a lovely story about a girl with Down Syndrome who spends the summer helping her grandparents on the lake. When there is an emergency, she surprises herself and everyone else by saving the day!
What a great story showing that people with disabilities can do anything anyone else can do. In fact, the dedication is the only place Down Syndrome is mentioned.

I can see reading this book in a class which includes a child/children with Down syndrome or other disabilities to teach kids inclusiveness.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Out into the Big Wide Lake was an enjoyable story to read. The story was well written and the illustrations were attractive. I guess I feel a bit let down though. From the description of the story, I was expecting this to be 'an empowering and necessary story about a young girl with Down syndrome.' But the story never mentioned anything or implied that the lead character having Down Syndrome. Don't get me wrong, Out into the Big Wide Lake wasn't a bad story. I just wasn't what I was looking for.

Out into the Big Wide Lake is a beautiful story about a sweet girl with Down Syndrome. She is invited to her grandparent's house for a summer adventure at the lake. She meets neighbors and family, maneuvers difficult situations physically and socially, and grows in confidence.

The illustration is beautiful, wonderful, whimsical inspiring! I love it! It's inspired by reality and nature with texture and color. The people are beautifully drawn!

Thank you NetGalley and Tundra Books for an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

First let me say that I loved that this book is a book about inclusion. The main character is a little girl that has down syndrome. You would not know this if you do not read the dedication page, but knowing that this story is about an actual girl with down syndrome is awesome, we need more stories like this.

This story was about a girl experiencing new things while spending a summer with her grandparents. I love that her grandparents had faith in her and taught her so many things. Then later in the book she is able to do big things for others.

Great writing and a wonderful story. The illustrations were awesome too.

This picture book took me back to the time I spent with my grandparents in Ohio, during the summers, while the time was not quite as exciting as Kate's time, it was just as special. As a parent, I am so thankful that my kids are having these kinds of experiences with their grandparents, especially the moments spent doing for others. That is what I loved most about Out into the Big Wide Lake, the focus on helping other's in times of needs. More than ever, this is the story we need to be sharing with our children. Beautifully illustrated story with so many valuable lessons intertwined between the pages. Thanks NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Tundra Books for the chance to read and review this sweet story with my children.

Inside Cover: An empowering and necessary picture book about a young girl with Down syndrome who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents. It's Kate's first time visiting her grandparents on her own at their lakeside home. She's nervous but excited at the adventure ahead. She helps her grandfather with his grocery deliveries by boat, where she meets all the neighbors, including a very grumpy old man named Walter. And she makes best friends with her grandparents' dog, Parbuckle. Her grandmother even teaches her to pilot the boat all by herself! When her grandfather takes ill suddenly, it's up to Kate -- but can she really make all those deliveries, even to grumpy old Walter? She has to try!

Pub Date: 18 May 2021
Star Rating: 5/5
Kids Rating: 5/5

Excellent picture book for any age. Great book for grandparents to read to their grandchildren and talk about memories.

Excellent story about kindness and empathy weaved into a narrative featuring grandparents, a crabby uncle, and a young but mighty girl with Down Syndrome. See my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3601425961

I love how inclusive this book is and it be a great addition to any classroom! Its easy to read & filled with lovely pictures throughout the whole book. I wish we had more books like this one! Great job!

Beautiful story and illustrations. I like this book a lot, it was emotional and it did speak to me a lot. I read it with my boy who also like it a lot. I would recommend it!