Review: Who Sank the Boat

Almost all members of our family can say this book word for word – that is two adults, three kids and a three-year-old who is working on it. Of course, we keep it on the shelf for the illustrations and the memories. I may need to buy each of my children their own copy for when they leave home, as they certainly will not be allowed to take mine.

This is the story of five animal friends, who “one warm, sunny morning, for no particular reason, they decided to go for a row on the bay.” And so starts the journey of deciphering just who sank the boat?

It is a quirky take on the story of Archimedes and his bath but if you start to regale the listening audience with all the scientific significance be warned: their eyes may start to glaze over.

There is a wonderful sing-song rhythm to this tale, making it perfect for reading aloud and creating lots of fun for the reader and listener. And unlike other mystery books, knowing how it ends never stopped us from reading it again and again.

- review by Cate Hale

Teachers' Notes

Title: Who Sank The Boat
Author: Pamela Allen
Illustrator: Pamela Allen
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Date: November 1988
Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780140509403
For ages: 0 - 5 (or adulthood)
Type: Picture Book