Betty and Rita Go to Paris [Hardcover]

Judith Hughes (Author), Michael Malyszko (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

They were free dogs in Paris, unfettered and alive....
Two traveling Labradors tour the City of Light in this charming portrait of Paris and irresistible celebration of canine joie de vivre. Lingering in front of the Louvre, pondering Jim Morrisons grave, befriending a poodle at Les Halles, or enjoying a baguette at the Eiffel Tower, Betty and Rita take in all the sights of Paris in this enchanting picture book. Big dogs on the trail of big fun, they visit Notre Dame, the Bastille, L'Arc de Triomphe, and the Centre Pompidou, as well as the parks, fountains, bistros, and other sights that Paris is famous for. Forty duotone photographs accompanied by brief captions capture the Parisian holiday experience with whimsical wit. As sure as the dog is mans best friend, Betty and Rita Go to Paris will charm les pantalons off Francophiles, photographers, and dog lovers the world over. Betty, age 11, is the consummate big sister and enjoys the perks of such a position, especially the lions share of all food treats. Rita, seven, defers readily, preferring attention to food anytime. This is their first book.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A trip to Paris can be a culturally enriching experience for anyone, even a pair of rambunctious pooches like Betty and Rita. And while they do soak in some of haute couture, Betty and Rita's main concern is good-old, down-home, butt-sniffin', roll-in-something-dead fun. These are two girls who know how to gnaw on the bones of life and suck out all the marrow.

The girls generously brought their favorite humans along with them on the trip. Michael Malyszko, whose work has been published in 40 countries, photographed the mad escapades while wordsmith Judith Hughes chronicled their trip through the City of Light in appropriate cano-centric verse:

A spot to cool off is what every dog needs,
so we dipped our paws at la Place St. Placide.
Big and refreshing and deep as a well,
But not so grand as la Place St. Michel.

If you were looking for biting cultural commentary, you are surely barking up the wrong arbre with these girls. But if you are a dog lover and a fan of whimsy (and who isn't?), you are sure to find Betty and Rita Go to Paris a doggone bewitching book. --Perry Atterberry

From School Library Journal

YA-Two endearing canines meander through the streets of Paris with the same determination that most tourists show toward seeing as much as possible during their stay. Betty and Rita don't wear funny hats or smoke cigars or get mired in perilous situations. They are unpretentious pups palling around the city, enjoying the sights. They offer brief, rhyming observations about the streets, monuments, museums, shops, caf?s, and parks they visit. While these literary Labradors stick primarily to their native English tongue to describe their adventures, they use French sparingly-one example per page-and each verse is matched page for page with an expressive duotone photograph. It is clear that Betty and Rita are able to acclimate to the pace of the Parisians, and chronicle sweet slices of the lives of the locals. This book will leave YAs who have not yet been to Paris drooling to go, and, if they are well traveled, sighing at the recollection of their time in the City of Lights. More than just a recreational read, however, Betty and Rita could also add oomph to a photojournalism or French class.
Karen Sokol, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 84 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 2nd edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811823709
• ISBN-13: 978-0811823708
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,562,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely doggy fun, beautifully photographed & smashing text!, August 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Betty and Rita Go to Paris (Hardcover)

The dogs on their own are adorable, the words on their own are wonderful, the sights of Paris are beautiful - but put them all together in this lovely book and you get the dreamy package that is "Betty & Rita Go to Paris". Excellent work! I look forward to Betty & Rita's next adventure.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I hope this is the beginning of a series!, January 8, 2001

By 

Tracy Clark (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Betty and Rita Go to Paris (Hardcover)

What a great book! I actually am a lover of Paris and photography, and of course who can resist a dog, let alone two? I really hope the authors make this into a series, maybe London, Florence, Venice? The book reads like a childrens book, but the target audience does seem to be aimed at adults. Whomever reads this book, it's enjoyable and one of my favorites!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly charming., June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Betty and Rita Go to Paris (Hardcover)

This book is a charmer. The pictures are delightful and some are hilarious. It is a perfect gift for anyone who (1) is a dog lover and (2) has a sense of humor. They did a wonderful and creative job.