Alvah and Arvilla-and all their farm animals-leave New England behind to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. “The illustrations of the traveling greenhouse, its open windows and skylights bulging with curious animals, are humorously precarious. An enjoyable journey for all who go along for the ride.”-The Horn Book
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The cheerfully offbeat tone of this picture book renders it both an homage to and a send-up of farm life. Because of the demands of their farm, Alvah and Arvilla are never able to take "trips they could send postcards from." Then Arvilla, overcome by a desire to see the Pacific Ocean, devises the perfect solution: "If it's the animals keeping us here, we'll take the animals with us." They build a greenhouse-type contraption onto the back of their wagon, load it with furniture, clothes, food and animals, and set out on a cross-country journey. Root's (The Araboolies of Liberty Street) watercolor and gouache illustrations expand on the book's outlandish premise. One hilarious spread shows the teeming menagerie as its members crane their necks out the windows, curiously taking in the changing American landscape. Ray (previously teamed with Root for Pumpkins) delivers the tale with mock-serious aplomb: "And the next day, observing local custom, they all lay on the beach while Arvilla wrote postcards." A wacky celebration to inspire road-trippers everywhere. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2?Set sometime around the late 1800s, this slight story focuses on a couple's odyssey from their farm in New England to the West Coast to see the Pacific Ocean. Unable to leave the farm and all of their dependent animals while on their trip, Alvah and Arvilla pile livestock, chickens, and dogs and cats into a glass-enclosed wagon. Drawn by their trusty pair of horses, they make their way in their modern ark across plains and desert, happily arriving at their destination. Along the way, baleful stares from their barnyard passengers translate into the common tripper's query, "Are we there yet?" Once on the vast sandy beaches bordering the Pacific, Arvilla realizes her life's dream, writing postcards to all the folks back home. Although there are amusing moments, the slim plot line is as fragile for support of the story as is the traveling barn of glass. Root's watercolor-and-gouache illustrations, with their subdued pastel hues and loose brush strokes, are reminiscent of the landscapes of Maurice Pendergast. The full-page pictures complement the text, but there are too many unanswered questions as to the point of the whole journey. Why not a quick visit to the more accessible Atlantic shore? Picture book audiences could skip this trip.?Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best kind of childrens book,
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This review is from: Alvah and Arvilla (Hardcover)
I would like to see this book back in print because it is the sweet and simple story of friendship (and love). Alvah and Arvilla teach us how to hold onto our dreams in the real world. This story is a day at the beach beautifully illustrated and charmingly packaged to last a life time.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Endearing tale of longing and love,
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This review is from: Alvah and Arvilla (Hardcover)
My daughter (now 8) and I just love this book. The illustrations are utterly divine and Alvah and Arvilla have a wonderful relationship - no matter how fanciful Arvilla's notions Alvah solemnly nods -"Ayuh" and they set about to finding a way to achieve her dream. Their journey across the American landscape to the Pacific Ocean is so interesting - it always sparks conversation about such great diversity and when they finally reach the ocean we can smell the sea and taste the salt. As a family who once had to move away from the Pacific Ocean ourselves we can oh so relate to Arvilla's delight at the warmth and softness of the much dreamed of beach and that incredible sense of leaving behind one's everyday life and just indulging yourself. When they set off home we can feel that tinge of sadness - the closer to home you get the more unreal it seems that you ever had such a wonderful time. And the ending - when they set up half of the glass house as a "beach" - it is fabulous! What a wonderful couple. The mean spirited review above says why not just go to the closer Atlantic - perhaps because it does not conjure up the same sense of escape to a warm and lazy paradise - and besides, the Pacific was what Arvilla longed for - why not follow your dreams! Highly recommended for those who enjoy a leisurely tale full of love and daydream.
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