ALA Booklist (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

In this reassuring picture book, a child in a boat asks who will watch over him. His mother prevents him from leaning too far overboard, but then the child wonders who will keep them both safe. "I will steer the boat and keep a watch," asserts the captain. The child then kicks the question up another notch: Who will keep the entire ship safe? A star in the night sky promises to guide the boat back home to safe harbor, but "Who will keep me safe?" The boy promises to catch the star should it take a tumble. Brief sentences in an oversized font stand out against detailed illustrations, and the main characters are featured in bright, attention-getting primary colors. There's no anxiety or mounting sense of doom, so this is suitable for even the youngest audiences. The action takes place at night, and the muted, dreamy background colors are reminiscent of a bedtime story, but this comforting message will be welcome in any setting at any time.

Horn Book (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Out to sea in a boat, a mother vows to keep her boy safe, the captain vows to keep them both safe, and a star vows to guide them. Back home, the boy pledges to catch the star if it falls. The childlike question-and-response text and night-hued illustrations of a storm-tossed sea and cozy coastal town make this cycle of care a comforting lullaby.

School Library Journal (Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

PreS-Gr 1 This nautical-themed British import reassures children everywhere that there is always someone watching over them. This picturesque book starts by asking, "Who will keep the boy safe?" as a young boy in a yellow raincoat reaches perilously over the edge of a boat with a net. "'I will', said his mother. 'I will hold him closeand never let him lean too far.'" The text then goes on to ask who will keep both of them safe, along with the boat and then a star. The true standouts in this book are the bright watercolor and digital illustrations. The impressive storm seascapes in particular will mesmerize both children and adults. This picture book could be used in a sea-themed storytime, as well as a storytime about feelings. The book's theme and tone are also broad enough that caregivers could adapt it to their own anxious children's concerns. VERDICT A general purchase for most libraries. Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI