Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Vivian Walsh (Author), J. Otto Seibold (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Picture Puffins

Mr. Lunch is excited about finally being able to fly, but he quickly learns that he is being placed with the luggage, and must devise a way to have fun on his plane trip regardless of where he is traveling. Reprint. SLJ. PW.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mr. Lunch, a bird-chaser of some repute, is invited to demonstrate his skills on television--a thrilling prospect largely because it will involve his first plane ride. Being a dog, however, he must ride with the baggage, along with Ambrose, the bird he is to chase on the show. Looking around at the sea of suitcases, boxes and bags, Mr. Lunch decides "things would be better if he investigated." He opens his fellow passengers' luggage, examines the contents and hastily repacks--creating some embarrassing but ultimately fruitful mix-ups that come to light on the show. Offbeat and utterly original, this debut by a husband-and-wife team has the frank silliness to appeal immediately to children and a campy sophistication that will tickle adults as well. The illustrations--computer-generated images that are flat in perspective but full of energy and surprisingly expressive--seem at once hip and modern and, in their diagrammatic shapes and muted khakis, rusts and charcoals, reminiscent of 1950s cartoons. Figures, objects, vehicles, labels and signs galore fill the fanciful, kinetical compositions, which are counterpointed by the absolutely straight-faced, straightforward text. The combination leads to an oxymoronic controlled zaniness, and it makes Mr. Lunch's journey a trip worth taking indeed. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (February 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140548688
• ISBN-13: 978-0140548686
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,537,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny Pet Tricks: Mr Lunch!, July 10, 2000

By 

M. Allen Greenbaum (California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride (Hardcover)

We thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the wonderfully implausible story to the extraordinary Matisse/Braques-like pictues. The story concerns a dog's flight for a television appearance--to demonstrate his bird-chasing skills. (No animals were injured in the writing of this book.) The pictures are very detailed and a bit abstract, but not unrecognizable or too cluttered for our 4 year old.

A very unique and funny book, it's great for children between about four and nine. It's a lot of fun for adults to read as well: Highly recommended!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Lunch Rules!, November 29, 1999

By 

Mary T Helmes (US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

"Ends weakly"? You've got to be kidding me! This book is hilarious and entertaining from start to finish. The illustrations kill me and the story is really wacky. I love it! Anyone with an appreciation of wit and style that can't be found in most of Precious Moments America will love this Lunch!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quirky, Goofy Fun with Great Lessons for Kids, March 12, 2003

By 

A. Wolverton (Crofton, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride (Hardcover)

This is without a doubt one of my favorite children's books. The book is for 4-8 year-olds, but most 4-5 year-olds might not understand the artwork's quirky, abstract nature.

Mr. Lunch is a dog, but a very intelligent dog who gets invited to appear on television for his bird-chasing abilities. Mr. Lunch and his bird-pal Ambrose have many great and goofy adventures along the way (especially on the plane) to the television appearance...which doesn't go exactly as planned...

`Mr. Lunch' gives kids a whole cargo plane full of wonderful learning opportunities in: aviation, identifying animals, how to say "goodbye" in several languages, city and country life, airport procedures, music, science, cooking...you name it! A very imaginative, wacky, fun book!

Ages 4-8
30 pgs.