Float
by Larry Daley
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Pub Date Nov 03 2025 | Archive Date Feb 03 2026
Bookling Media | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
Dive into FLOAT with Rosie, an impulsive first grader, who bolts into action to retrieve her stolen lunch from an ornery seagull! Rosie Imagined a perfect day at the aquarium, but it quickly turns into an emotional pursuit through every exhibit - and more than one fish tank!
Larry Daley creates an immersive story about anticipation, frustration, and the power of pausing when things get tough.
A Note From the Publisher
Illustrated by Larry Daley
Advance Praise
Praise from Midwest Book Review:
https://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/sep_25.htm#suziehousley
Synopsis: Join Rosie, a spirited first grader, on a lively adventure as she chases down a mischievous seagull who's run off with her soggy snacks!
The aquarium introduces readers to a dazzling variety of sea life along the way. Keep an eye out for Bubbles the octopus sneaking through the pages, search for the twenty hidden sea turtles in the illustrations, and dive into the bonus pages filled with fun facts about what these fascinating animals love to eat.
Critique: Float is not only a delightful reading experience but also a valuable educational tool. Young readers are sure to giggle, explore, and learn something new about sea life before their next visit to the aquarium.
Author Larry Daley crafts an imaginative tale filled with humor and heart, perfectly capturing the excitement, frustrations, and life lessons of childhood.
This book uses vibrant storytelling and playful details to invite kids to pause, look closely, and discover adventure in unexpected places. It's a journey that sparks curiosity and promotes discovery, making it an exciting read for young minds.
Editorial Note: Recommended reading ages 3-10 years old, Float captivates a wide range of young readers, ensuring that it remains a favorite for years to come. Float will be published on February 3, 2026.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781954376021 |
| PRICE | $24.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 42 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 39 members
Featured Reviews
Float is an absolute delight, and I think kids are going to love it just as much as I do. It feels like a virtual field trip to an aquarium—full of wonder, whimsy, and just the right touch of chaos. Beneath all the fun, there's a valuable lesson woven in about patience and resisting impulsivity—two traits that are great to start nurturing in young readers.
One of my favorite things about this book is how visually engaging it is. Each page is saturated with color and packed with little details just waiting to be discovered. There are hidden elements throughout, which will have kids eagerly searching and staying engaged, making it a truly interactive experience. The artwork is super cute, and the whole book just exudes joy.
This one definitely deserves a spot on your Christmas list. It's a wonderful mix of fun, learning, and visual magic—perfect for curious kids and the adults reading along with them.
Wendy R, Librarian
Delightful! First grade Rosie goes on a class trip to the aquarium where she is warned seagulls are notorious for stealing food. That's exactly what happens when the seagull steals her food from her lunchbox. She is furious and immediately goes in pursuit of that thief.
My elementary school students will find her hunt hilarious. The author does a brilliant job of inserting that sensitive message into the story that seems to calm Rosie down and which will emanate with my readers. She is told that when the water gets rough, float--hence the book title. There is so much to explore in that idea.
I especially like the informational pages at the conclusion of the book. Also, this is the type of book where students who peruse every page, back and front, will be rewarded by noting the author's note regarding his own lunchbox. Great read!
Larry Daley's Float is a dazzling picture book that perfectly captures the humorous chaos of a child's imagination. This delightful tale of Rosie, a spirited first-grader, and her relentless pursuit of a cheeky, snack-stealing seagull is a treat for both kids and the adults reading along. Daley's clever storytelling and vibrant illustrations bring the aquarium to life in a way that is both exciting and immersive.
What makes Float so special is its blend of madcap action and heartfelt lessons. While following Rosie's frantic chase through the exhibits—where she encounters hidden sea turtles and Bubbles the mischievous octopus—young readers also learn about managing frustration and pausing to appreciate the unexpected moments in life. It's a journey filled with giggles and discovery, and Daley's background in children's media shines through in every playful detail.
This book is more than just an adventure; it's an educational and emotional experience rolled into a single, beautifully illustrated package. With its quirky humor and ultimately kind message, Float is destined to become a beloved and often-revisited favorite on any family's bookshelf.
Float by Larry Daley was super cute and a great reminder of what to do when things get hard or complicated. The art is good, colorful, and captivating. The story telling is not complicated and easy to follow along. The last couple pages after the story ends has som fun facts about fish that I think children will love.
Cute book, great illustrations. This story teaches kids that things may not go as planned but instead of getting angry, we can remain calm and ask for help. This is a great lesson for kids and adults alike! Loved the inclusion of the information at the end.
Reviewer 1889449
This is exactly the type of picture book I love. It's fun, imaginative, and has a sweet message for kids and parents alike! And those illustrations!! I felt like I was really in an aquarium! Highly recommend! I'm sure I'll be sharing more about it on my blog and Instagram closer to release!
Wow just wow. This is a delightful adventure of a kid who's lunch was stolen by a nasty seagull. Then the fun...er mayhem begins. This might be a bad day but it can be turned into the good, when we just "float". I enjoyed the artwork that really shine all through out the book. Enjoyable read and illustration. Definitely a win!
Jennifer C, Reviewer
Float by Larry Daley is an absolutely charming children’s picture book that’s equal parts heartwarming and inspiring. The illustrations are truly beautiful—soft, expressive, and full of color and movement that perfectly capture the story’s emotional core. Rosie is such a lovely, relatable character whose curiosity and determination will resonate with young readers (and parents, too).
The story is engaging from start to finish, balancing imagination with gentle lessons about perseverance and self-discovery. It’s one of those books that feels both timeless and fresh—a perfect bedtime read or classroom favorite. Highly recommend for anyone looking to add something uplifting and beautifully illustrated to their children’s bookshelf.
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