Customer Reviews

Alistair and Kip's Great Adventure!

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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.

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.

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.