Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee

Another awesome picture book. ( )

A great rhyming story about Mr. Magee and his little dog Dee taking a boat ride. They encounter an unruly little whale who's big splash lands them in a tree. The other whales come to save the day and Magee and Dee eat their lunch for dinner that day. Wonderful illustrations!

A favorite read aloud, great for rhyming and for narrative prediction. ( )

This is a book about a man and his dog who love to take adventurous boat rides. They set out to sea early in the morning, and soon things take a turn for the worse. A curious whale that simply waned to play got underneath their boat and with his blowhole blasted the two into the top of a tree on a nearby island. They begin to fear that they will never get down as the sun begins to set. Just in time, about fifty whales gather around the island and help by making such a big splash that the boat is set free. The book has a catchy rhyme and great illustrations! ( )

Why does no one ever tell me anything? I thought Chris van Dusen's first picture book was Circus Ship. In fact, I think I even said it was his first picture book in my review and nobody corrected me. Of course, it turns out he has written the Mr. Magee books as well. Probably something else also, so I am not going to commit myself until I find out otherwise.

The brisk rhyming stories feel more like an easy reader than a picturebook, but van Dusen's gorgeous colors springing off the page make these a fun experience. I didn't find either as funny as the reviews I'd seen had described them, but I enjoyed the rhythmic stories and van Dusen's artwork.

Verdict: These would be good selections for a child learning to read who enjoys picture books and tongue-in-cheek humor.

Camping Spree
ISBN: 978-0811836036; Published May 2003 by Chronicle Books; Borrowed from the library

Down to the Sea
ISBN: 978-0811824996; Published February 2000 by Chronicle Books; Borrowed from the library

Mr. Magee and Dee are back again but this time they are headed for the sea! Join them on their journey. Good story with great illustrations and rhyming. Kids will love it. ( )