Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In a buoyant dog tale from a master of the genre, a bulbous, scrunchy-faced, ugly-cute dog heads to the shore toting all the essentials for a day at the beach. "I hope I didn't forget anything," he muses, as a he boards a bus while wearing a hat equipped with an umbrella, toting a picnic basket, and pulling along his pet goldfish in a bowl on wheels. Catrow's (Dream Dog) sprawling, sun-splashed watercolors comically embellish the canine's deadpan narrative: "Here's a good one," he says, finding a spot in the sand, which he discovers is actually a sunbather's prodigious belly ("I'll keep looking," the dog adds). The fun continues full tilt when an octopus slides into the goldfish's bowl ("Fish has made a friend"), and the animals join a handful of beachgoers who are flying an array of hats and toys like kites. A final illustration reveals exactly what the dog-who is now as pink as the sunset on the bus ride home-forgot to bring to the beach, closing out the book with one last giggle. Ages 3-6. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-On a sunny morning, a pudgy rabbit packs up to go to the beach. He boards the bus with his pet goldfish, taking an overstuffed picnic basket and his beach umbrella. The quirky cast of characters on the bus, including a man in a silly hat and a tall, frisbee-throwing dog, is also headed for a day of fun in the sun. When they arrive, the sand is swarming with beach-goers, but the bunny manages to find a good spot. He enjoys a sand-filled lunch ("crunchy and good") and takes a dip in the sea, riding the waves with his goldfish. In the water, Fish befriends an affable octopus, who joins the goldfish in his little glass bowl. The rabbit and his friends fly kites, having "fun way up in the big blue sky." Finally, when the sun sets in a blaze of violet and gold, the beach-goers head for home. The straightforward text is augmented by Cartrow's uproarious watercolor and pencil illustrations. The exaggerated, somewhat startling facial expressions of the rabbit and his fellow sun worshipers, along with comical background details, enhance the easy-to-read story. VERDICT This madcap summer adventure will guarantee a fun-filled storytime.-Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
When the sun comes out, its time for a trip to the beach, in Catrows (I Aint Gonna Paint No More, the Silly Dilly Songs books) inimitable, frenetic style. The main character (a human-like dog) packs up everything hell need and dons a baseball cap with a striped umbrella attached to the top. He also brings along his goldfish in its bowl, rolling along behind him on wheels. He boards a bus labeled BEACH and informs the man sitting next to him, You, sir, have a silly hat. Children will then naturally look at the mans clearly silly hat and will investigate each of the other beach-bound riders, among them another dog who sits upright on a seat with a Frisbee in its mouth. Children can then follow each of these characters throughout the story, which is filled with sight gags and unexpected storyline twists, and only a few sentences: Fun in the sun, fun in the sand, sand in the suit. Catrows pencil and watercolor pictures feature jiggly outlines for an energetic effect, often set against luscious backgrounds of aqua sky and water, and a spectacular pink and orange sunset. From the dog struggling into his swimsuit (which falls down when he sucks in his stomach) through to the closing page, where it becomes obvious what the dog forgot to bring, this is a swimmingly funny outing. susan dove lempke (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A self-sufficient pup takes his beloved pet to the beach. High jinks ensue. Outfitted in its best purple bathing suit, a rather zaftig dog determines that today is perfect for a trip to the seashore. Its pet goldfish comes along, thanks to a wheeled fishbowl, and the two join a bus full of crazily caricatured humans (and at least one more dog). Once they've arrived, it's time for lots of sun and swimming. Everyone has a magnificent, madcap time, though the dog's hot-pink skin answers the final thought: "I hope I didn't forget anything." Catrow's trademark tendency toward contained chaos is put on fine display as the combination of wind, waves, and the occasional sentient octopus yields a fantastic day for all involved. The art's colorful inventiveness gives the entire enterprise a wild devil-may-care feel, and the cast of characters rewards multiple readings, as they enjoy separate adventures in the background. The simple language makes this not only a fine read-aloud, but a great early reader for those kids who need some comedy with their basic vocabulary words. So enjoyable the real thing may pale in comparison. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
