Acclaimed British author and artist Quentin Blake, whose illustrations can be found in the work of such children's literature luminaries as Joan Aiken and Roald Dahl, spins a lovely tale here of two children who befriend an elderly neighbor, while on holiday, and engage in a marvelous game of make believe. Sneaking over the wall into the garden next door to their holiday home, the pair discover a wild garden, at whose heart is the eponymous green ship, made out of specially shaped bushes, two tall trees for masts, and a raised garden shed functioning as a wheel house. Discovered during the course of their exploration by Mrs. Tredegar, the owner of the garden and ship, the children are soon involved in a wonderful season of imaginative play...

A delightful title, one which pairs a matter-of-factly magical story with colorful, appealing illustrations, The Green Ship is a deeply satisfying picture-book. I thought it was lovely that it was dedicated to Joan Aiken, as the story here has the kind of quirky appeal I associate with her work. I always enjoy stories which highlight the importance of imaginative play in children's lives, and this was no exception. I also appreciated the fact that Blake explored an intergenerational friendship between the children and an elderly person in his story. I would have loved the idea of climbing over a wall and finding something so magical (and so secret!) as a girl, and I suspect many young people today would feel the same. Recommended to Quentin Blake fans, and to anyone looking for children's stories about games of make believe and/or intergenerational friendship. ( )