Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure! [Hardcover]

John Segal (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 2008 | Age Level: 3 and up

One bossy cat.
One nervous beagle.
Two best friends.

When Alistair and Kip set out to sea, they quickly find themselves in deep water.

Who will come to the rescue?

Join them and have a whale of a time in John Segal's charming tale of adventure and friendship.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—When one friend with a big imagination is bored, the other friend better watch out! So it is with Alistair, an orange cat who comes up with an idea for a new and exciting project and enlists the help of Kip, a beagle with a less- adventurous spirit. Determined to see the world, Alistair decides that they will build a boat and set sail for "far and distant lands." The two work together, measuring, hammering, and gluing, and before long, their craft is completed. Somewhat nervous about the actual idea of disembarking, Kip jumps in at the last minute and joins Alistair on a journey that is anything but boring, as they row down a creek and eventually make their way into the open sea. When a giant wave capsizes their small vessel, they swim for an island, only to discover that it's actually a kindly whale that safely shepherds them home. After thanking the whale, Alistair begins speculating about what they'll do next as poor Kip's ears rise in alarm. The quick-paced story is told through both dialogue and simple narrative. Beautifully rendered watercolors in bright hues comically depict the self-confident cat and his smaller canine pal. This tale of two friends who have a whale of a time will delight children who often use the dreaded "b" (bored) word.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
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About the Author

John Segal has illustrated many books for children, including Kenneth Grahame's The Reluctant Dragon, retold by Robert D. San Souci, and The Musicians of Bremen by Jane Yolen. His drawings have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Gourmet, and Travel & Leisure, and he is an award-winning designer of greeting cards for the Museum of Modern Art. This is the first book he has both written and illustrated.

John Segal lives in New York City and has two children, Emily and Josh.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (May 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416902805
• ISBN-13: 978-1416902805
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #533,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have!, January 16, 2009

By 

Penelope (Metro D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure! (Hardcover)

Last night my husband was in charge of story time. While my husband reads to our daughter, I normally I do other things (you know, the typical chores in and around the house). But this time I decided to join them. And what a treat! I don't think I have ever laughed so much during story time. This book is so funny. The cat Alistair and the dog Kip are bored. Why not build a boat? And there they go down the creek, to the river, into the bay... and out to sea. All the sudden the weather changes, and not before long, they are down deep into the sea.

My daughter enjoyed the book because 1. she loves tools (building the boat) 2. she loves adventure (the great outdoors) and 3. she loves animals (cat, dog, fish, cattle, etc). Currently my daughter is learning about cars, boats and airplanes at school, so she was eager to listen to the story.

My husband and I enjoyed the book because it never gets boring - regardless of how many times you have to read it. You always discover something new. The story goes well beyond the printed words. You can easily add your own version and make up new adventures. The story does not really have an end: "That was fun, Kip. Tomorrow let's build an airplane!"

If you are looking for a great birthday present, then don't look any further. This is a must have.

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure!, July 24, 2008

By 

T. Jonker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure! (Hardcover)

Complexity is not a prerequisite for success. Simplicity is a good thing. It's also a quality that is becoming increasingly rare in children's lit. "Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure!" is simplicity at its finest. A story with a nice arc. Illustrations that vividly reflect the words and tone. An unassuming breath of fresh air.

Alistair is a cat with a curious streak. Kip is a curiosity-less beagle. On a whim, Alistair declares that the two should build a boat. After creating their vessel the pair set sail on a journey that brings them out to the ocean. After encountering a rouge wave our heroes are forced to swim for a nearby island. It isn't until they're squarely on top of land that they realize the blowhole. It turns out their island is in fact a friendly whale, willing to take Kip and Alistair back home.

Segal ("Carrot Soup", "The Lonely Moose") can really do a number with his watercolors. Since this book is for emerging readers, text is spare and the illustrations assume a higher level of importance. They don't disappoint. A notable series takes place as our characters are headed out to sea. Segal pulls back with each successive frame, giving the reader a sense of the ocean's magnitude.

"Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure" stands out for its simple, beautiful storytelling. A quality picture book for beginning readers.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great adventure, December 12, 2009

By 

D. Hatcher - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure! (Hardcover)

A great tale of adventure on the high seas, and as usual, stunningly illustrated by John Segal. Highly recommended for those with a streak of gypsy.