A Boy and a Bear in a Boat

Rich in atmosphere and gently humorous, this is a delightful, small-scale but epic adventure

Julia Eccleshare, Love Reading

A gentle funny little book in which the story, tone, illustrations and even cover are so perfectly attuned to each other, and to the children for whom it is intended

Sally Morris, Daily Mail

Sometimes scary, sometimes deeply touching, and often very funny indeed

Helen Mulley, Teach Primary

The lovingly designed jacket and hardback cover, with its slightly mottled paper and "worn" spine, evokes memories of Mervyn Peake's Letters from a Lost Uncle

Philip Ardagh, Guardian

A beautifully tender and enchanting story of a developing friendship between two most unlikely characters, in the most improbable of settings

Library Mice

A riveting tale that will capture both children and adults through its quirky storytelling

Booktrust

Dave Shelton’s debut novel, is written in a simple, direct style with affectionate drawings . . . A whimsical journey that is truly about life, friendship, and self-discovery

Jan Lee, Oxford Times

With wonderful illustrations this funny and charming story of a developing friendship is a heart-warming joy

Jane E Sandell, Scotsman

A Boy and a Bear in a Boat is a joy to read: slightly surreal, funny, a little bit scary

The Bookbag

Reminds you of The Life Of Pi, with better jokes

Kitty Empire, Observer

Dave Shelton, a graphic artist, miraculously paints pictures in the reader's head, using words like brushstrokes

Dinah Hall, Daily Telegraph

This comic skit on maritime survival stories is a book-long joke which will amuse and entertain many young readers

Peter Hollindale, The School Librarian

This book is absolutely hilarious.. and more. A metaphor for the ups and downs of life, this brilliantly realised novel will leave readers grinning and thinking simultaneously.

Valentine, Guardian children's books site

A laugh on every page. Shelton is exceptionally talented ... Funny and philosophical this book will charm every reader.

Valentine, Guardian children's books site

[re: The Guardian Children's Fiction Prize] This is the book I am most curious to hear children talk about.

Pat Thomson, Carousel

I recommend it to children aged 4-12 as it is an easy read, but can touch the hearts of older children too. ... The illustrations, which are drawn by the author, Dave Shelton, are perfected perfect.

Sapphirebooklover, Guardian children's books

Entirely unpredictable. It’s an indescribable mix of fable, friendship, trust, adventure; odd, innocent, and quite wonderful.

Independent on Sunday

It’s a really exciting book to own. A book as an object. A book as treasure ... I can sell that beautiful little blue book over and over again because it inspires wonder in me and in the children I show it to.

Katie Clapham (Storytellers, Inc), The Nocturnal Reader blogspot