Aloha, Delores (Melanie Kroupa Books) [Hardcover]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Series: Melanie Kroupa Books

When Dolores enters her cat, Duncan, in a Meow Munchies Cat Food contest, she's certain Duncan is so good-looking, smart, and talented that he'll win first prize: Soon she and Duncan will be enjoying pineapples and coconuts on the beaches of Hawaii! Her sister, Faye, is doubtful. "Duncan won't even eat Meow Munchies," she reminds Dolores. Ignoring Faye's voice of reason, Dolores is soon giving hula demonstrations at Show and Tell and saying "Aloha!" to the plumber, the dentist, and everyone on the crosstown bus in preparation for her trip. Before long, the whole neighborhood knows that Duncan and Dolores will be visiting Hawaii, and Dolores has confidently packed up Duncan and parked herself next to the phone, waiting for it to ring with the good news that they've won. When a cat named Fifi wins instead, Dolores must rise to the occasion... and with a little help from Faye, she discovers that winning isn't everything.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When Dolores catches sight of the hula-girl catfood display in the grocery store, she is immediately intrigued. "Attention Cat Lovers" says the box of Meow Munchies. She reads on: "Just finish this sentence: 'My cat deserves the best because...' and you could be the winner of A Luxury Cruise to Hawaii!"

That's it. As far as Dolores is concerned, she's already on her way. Her cat, Duncan, definitely deserves the best. He's "good-looking, smart, and loaded with talent... and he can play the guitar." Dolores's sister Faye reminds her that Dolores really can't count the time she dropped a tuna sandwich on the strings and Duncan licked them. But Dolores's bubble will not be burst. She shops for grass skirts and ukuleles, demonstrates the hula in Show and Tell, and greets the plumber with a cheery "Aloha!" Sophisticated readers will sense that Dolores's disappointment is inevitable. When the sisters finally hear the announcement that Fifi from Southpaw, Indiana, has won the contest, Dolores is devastated. But her older, wiser sister has a special knack for comforting Dolores, and soon this irrepressible cat lover has moved on to Plan B--"Ole!"

Young pet owners will identify with Dolores's unshakable confidence in her cat's exceptional qualities, and sympathize with her disappointment and subsequent consolation. Barbara Samuels's droll illustrations and realistic characterizations have appeared in several other titles about Dolores and her cat, including Duncan and Dolores. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-Faye and Dolores are back. The story begins when Dolores sees a notice on the back of a Meow Munchies box inviting people to tell why their cat deserves the best, send a photo, and perhaps win a cruise to Hawaii. In her mind, Dolores is already there, despite her older sister's attempts to point out a little reality. The child's hope and imagination are so strong that her bags are packed, she demonstrates the hula to her classmates, and even hosts a farewell luau. Predictably, she does not win the contest, but thanks to her creative sister, the little dreamer overcomes her disappointment with her good cheer intact. The watercolor cartoon illustrations are just right: they extend the funny text by providing many details of the lively scenes. Anyone who has dreamed of winning a contest will be right there with Dolores and will come away with a smile.
Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN; 1st edition (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789425084
• ISBN-13: 978-0789425089
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,204,692 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 Duncan and Dolores revisited, August 12, 2001

By 

Jan and John Boettcher (Southlake, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aloha, Delores (Melanie Kroupa Books) (Hardcover)

Aloha Dolores continues the very funny adventures of a young girl and her cat, Duncan. Dolores is an extremely spirited girl whose exuberance often dismays Duncan as she includes him in her daily adventures. In this book Dolores sets out to win a trip to Hawaii by entering a contest sponsored by "Kitty Krunchies." Dolores' wise older sister, Faye, reminds her that thousands of people will enter the contest, but Dolores has no doubt that she and Duncan will win. The expressions on the cat's face are priceless and the vivid illustrations add to the storyline. My two daughters can't wait to add this book to their shelf right next to their very worn copy of Duncan and Dolores!