From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Meet "Murphy-Stop-That," the yippy little terrier starring in this first-person (or should we say first-dog) account. Murphy's peripatetic, wide-eyed, tail-wagging personality is foreshadowed in endpapers covered with his zippy little paw prints. There is not much plot here, but Murphy's breathlessly running commentary to himself on everything from the importance of being first into the kitchen in the morning ("Run! Run! Don't waste any time. You have to be first!") to a car trip to the vet ("I hate to ride in the car. Whirring. Bumping. Swaying. Whimper. Whine") to dinnertime ("Be patient. Don't beg. Things drop. Crumbs. Good things. Sneaky handouts") gives the book entertaining momentum. Readers know this dog and his world through his consistently expressed point of view, both textual and visual. The impression of Murphy's hyperkinetic energy is supported through the graphic device of horizontal linearity as he moves across the bottom of most spreads in multiple images, often at a dead run, halting only on the last page as linearity turns more softly circular at day's end. Provensen skillfully balances frenetic activity with generous white space. Her oil renderings of this farm world in strong, recognizable line are a perfect foil for her more hasty, scratchy depiction of the pup himself. This is an assured but simple presentation that will earn this memorably funny dog a place on shelves and in hearts.
Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CTCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
PreS-Gr. 2. For terrier Murphy (or, as he introduces himself, "Murphy-Stop-That"), life on the farm is busy. There are floors to lick, shoes to chew, mice to sniff out. The kitchen is a joy; the car, not so great; the vet, "Get me out of here!" But soon, it's home to supper, some excited night barking (he "heard the moon move"), and bedtime in the barn, surrounded by his toys and animal friends. With charming, lively illustrations and peppy, descriptive prose, Provensen portrays the smells, sounds, and activities of a delightful, active pup. Colorful, textured artwork outlined in black and brimming with whimsical detail, captures wide-eyed Murphy traversing barnyard and house, wholeheartedly enjoying life (even doing a few things he shouldn't be doing). Although this is longer than the usual picture book, short phrases and strings of adjectives make it a fun read-aloud that will hold kids' interest. It will be hard to resist the joyful, humorous touches in text and art and the enthusiastic, engaging doggie stream of consciousness as Murphy goes about his day.
Shelle RosenfeldCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
