Any child or juvenile sailor could tell you that a large blue rug is not a rug—it’s an ocean! The youngster (white) at the center of this enthusiastic picture book sets sail on imaginative nautical adventure, inviting their grown-up (white) to abandon vacuuming and join them on high seas. Illustrations rich with color and humor convey the highly visual plot, while compelling dialogue bubbles narrate the maritime melodramas and related emotions. A dining room chair bolstered by broom handles and other kitchen utensils comprise the “ship.” “Help, Captain! I’m being attacked by a giant squid!” yells the grown-up, while the vacuum hose and electrical cord are twisted about their legs. Hungry sharks and the dreaded doldrums are a few of the other obstacles in this breezy, playful read. A glossary for novice seafarers is included in the front matter.

Join a child captain and parent first mate as they embark on a wild high seas adventure…all without leaving the living room! This imaginative romp of a picture book is filled with glorious illustrations from a beloved Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling creator.

A HORN BOOK AND BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Raise the mainsail!
Batten the hatches!
It's time to set sail…on the couch!

There's a storm coming, and a child is ready to captain the ship. "Make haste and climb aboard," they call out to their parent, "before you're swept out to sea!"

Sea? What sea? The parent is only trying to vacuum the rug. But the child is adamant. It's not a rug--it's the ocean. And that broom? It's the ship's mast. Soon enough, child and parent are both off on an imaginary nautical adventure!

Here is a thoroughly engaging, hilarious picture book that celebrates the joys of playing make-believe--and hanging out with a parent!