Gaspard on Vacation (Gaspard and Lisa Books) [Hardcover]

Anne Gutman (Author), Georg Hallensleben (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Gaspard and Lisa Books

Gaspard on Vacation is one of two titles launching the Misadventures of Gaspard and Lisa series. While on vacation, Gaspard escapes from his family's endless visits to museums and embarks on his own exciting adventure. He finds a little red kayak--the perfect fit--and takes off to explore the canals of Venice, until an unfortunate run-in with a gondola stops him!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

We couldn't believe our luck--one of our all-time favorite illustrators, Georg Hallensleben (And If the Moon Could Talk, Baboon), taking on Venice, one of our favorite cities, with his rich, gorgeous color palette and tangible brushstrokes. Gaspard is a black dog who loves to travel. On a Venetian vacation, he and his family visit "museums, museums, and more museums" until he happens to spot a red kayak just his size in a nearby canal. He hops in and winds his way through the canals of Venice until he collides with a "CRASH! SPLASH!" into a big black gondola. He makes a quick escape and hides in a church, but when it starts to get dark, he starts to get scared. The day is saved when a police boat finds him, he's reunited with his family, and they proceed to eat "the best spaghetti in the world." Youngsters will be pleased at the slight air of suspense and happy ending of this quick-to-read but satisfying bedtime story. Adults will revel in the warm wash of a sunny day in Venice and its familiar landmarks. (Ages 3 and older) --Karin Snelson

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-This tale of a dog family vacationing in Venice is slight. Young Gaspard tires of museums, initiates an escape among the canals in a kayak, and just when he is feeling a bit afraid, is rescued by a police boat. The canines then head off for spaghetti. A bit of action (a gondola/kayak crash) and understated humor add interest. Most intriguing are the waterways that serve as streets and the thick layering of paint that captures the shimmering water and the effect of the reflected light on the buildings. The use of full-bleed double spreads, as well as three or six panels per page, varies the pace. Best viewed in an intimate setting, this small book is likely to find some fans.-Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1st Borzoi Books ed edition (March 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037581115X
• ISBN-13: 978-0375811159
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #627,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Anne Gutman was a book designer before teaming up with her husband to write stories. She is the author of the best-selling George and Lily picture books, published in over 15 countries. She lives in Paris with their two young children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paddle through Venice with cute dog Gaspard, March 13, 2001

By 

John DiBello (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gaspard on Vacation (Gaspard and Lisa Books) (Hardcover)

I'm a big fan of children's picture books. Yes, I'm nearly 40! But the best picture books transcend age and can be as much a delight for adults as for kids. "Gaspard on Vacation" and "Lisa's Airplane Trip," the first two in the Misadventures of Gaspard and Lisa series, are among the best of the year so far-- colorful and delightful stories of two travelling dogs, with whimsical and hilarious painted illustrations.

Fluffy black dog Gaspard is on holiday in Venice with his entire family, and museum after museum is getting a bit too boring for adventurous Gaspard. He runs off to explore Venice's canals in a little red kayak, leading to a mishap that shows him maybe boring museums aren't so bad after all. All's well that ends well as the entire family is re-united for dinner of "the best spaghetti in the world." George Hallensleben's painted illustrations are brilliant, vibrant, and detailed, and Ann Gutman's simple but effective story is a brisk and fun read. Afficionados of Venice will even spot local landmarks in the background as Gaspard paddles along!

I highly recommend both this and "Lisa's Airplane Trip," and I'm eagerly awaiting the other Lisa and Gaspard books. Do yourself a favor as much has your kids and pick these up--they'll quickly become favorites for both young and old.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meet Gaspard..., May 31, 2001

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gaspard on Vacation (Gaspard and Lisa Books) (Hardcover)

Gaspard is a little black dog who loves to travel and can't wait to tell us all about his family vacation in Venice. What did he do all day, every day...visit museums and more museums. Just as the family was about to enter another museum, Gaspard sees a small red kayak and while his family's not looking, takes off in it. He paddles all over Venice, having a great time and taking in the sights until he has a little boating accident. The people is that big black gondola were sure wet and angry, so Gaspard quickly paddles on until it begins to get dark and he starts to get a little scared. But never fear...the police find him in no time, his family is so relieved they aren't even mad and they all celebrate with the very best spaghetti in the world..... Ann Gutman has written a delightful story that really captures the essence of a small childs thoughts and actions and youngsters will easily identify with Gaspard has he takes off on his little adventure. Her simple gentle text has just the right combination of humor and suspense, complete with happily ever after ending. Georg Hallensleben's beautiful and lush artwork adds just the right touch and takes readers on a wonderfully scenic tour of Venice, as they read. Like its companion book, Lisa's Airplane Trip, Gaspard on Vacation is perfect for preschoolers and beginning readers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic, March 10, 2006

By 

Chrys Yates - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gaspard on Vacation (Gaspard and Lisa Books) (Hardcover)

The book is great for kids. I especially love that all illustrations are actually paintings!