Buddy [Hardcover]

William Joyce (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

‘If you happened to be walking down the street in New York City in the 1930s you might have seen a most amazing sight; a beautiful woman with a very well-dressed, four-hundred-pound gorilla sporting a red carnation in the lapel of his jacket. The lady’s name? Gertie Lintz. And the gorilla’s name was Buddy.

But how does a gorilla come all the way from Africa to the streets of New York wearing a suit and tie and a red flower in his lapel? Well, here’s the story.’

High-spirited, heartbreaking, and ultimately joyous, Buddy is a classic in the making, told with the joie de vivre one now comes to expect from the ever versatile William Joyce.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Real-life animal-lover Gertie Lintz and Buddy, the gorilla she adopted in the 1930s, have one cosmopolitan adventure after another; the story was also the subject of a feature film from Jim Henson Pictures. All ages.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4?The suits and ties he wears, the dinners he eats at a formal table, and his shopping expedition to Bergdorf's would not be at all unusual for a human, but Buddy is a gorilla. Raised from infancy by wealthy and eccentric Gertrude Lintz, he is treated as any human companion might be. He grows from an adorable toddler to a rascally adolescent; but as he matures, Gertie begins to worry and, during a trip to the 1933 World's Fair, her fears are confirmed. Sumptuous as his accommodations are, Buddy is unused to close quarters. He becomes unhappy and makes a desperate dash for freedom and the African Safari ride. Back in New York, Buddy's emerging wildness forces Gertie to make a difficult decision?but her kind heart and clever thinking find the perfect environment for Buddy and a happy ending for them all at the Philadelphia Zoo. Based on a true story, this brief chapter book first introduces the exuberant era, then dramatically sets the stage for Buddy's arrival in America, and propels readers into the fascinating Lintz household. Youngsters will empathize with Gertie, who must wistfully temper her childlike enthusiasm when faced with reality. Joyce's sepia-toned drawings are liberally sprinkled throughout the text in a family-album style and serve as visual vignettes of the period. An afterword provides additional information about the real Mrs. Lintz and Buddy; flap copy notes the recently released feature film of the same name. A captivating adventure story.?Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJ
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 47 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books; 1st edition (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060276606
• ISBN-13: 978-0060276607
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,954,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A true luminary and creative spirit, William Joyce has put his personal stamp on children's media in every direction. His picture books include George Shrinks, Dinosaur Bob and Santa Calls; he's won three Emmy awards for his Rolie Polie Olie animated series; developed character concepts for Toy Story and A Bug's Life; and his films include Robots and Meet the Robinsons. He's currently co-directing The Guardians for DREAMWORKS, and is producing The Leaf Men, based on his picturebook. He lives in Shreveport, LA, and is the founder of Moonbot Studios.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book!, July 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddy (Hardcover)

this is a wonderful childrens book. i am very fond of all of william joyces writings and illstrations, and this book certianly did'nt dissapoint me.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book!, February 16, 2009

By 

Mom of Two - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Buddy (Paperback)

I LOVE this book and the story. I can't say enough how much I like this book. It is for an older child because the themes are about social justice, animal welfare, compassion, and other more mature issues. I think 9 years old and up is the appropriate age group for how these topics are presented. It is a true story and gives the parent an opportunity to have talking points on serious subjects. It is a GREAT story and book for kids and adults!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Amusing yet Sad, July 25, 2004

By 

4paws "4paws" (arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddy (Library Binding)

This was one of the funniest books in the beginning. I love the thought of someone taking in animals and caring for them. Then we she got buddy it was just so cute. Then it started to get sad. you could feel Buddy's pain and his growing up. This is by far one of the best books to read for helping and understanding our exotic Animal friends. We need more books like these so our younger generations will realize how important it is to leave them where they belong and how so many need our help.

Great Book!

Always,
4paws