Newf [Mass Market Paperback]

Marie Killilea (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 12, 1996

The big black Newfoundland dog swims in from the sea and seeks shelter in a long-deserted fisherman's cottage. There he finds a tiny white kitten, and as the two become unlikely friends, they share both the joys and perils of the changing seasons. The picture book debut of the internationally known author of the classic Karen, this is a story of loyalty, strength, and survival. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This old-fashioned dog story by the author of Karen and With Love from Karen exhibits the pathos of Lassie's adventures without the sentimentality. Sure to tug at animal-lovers' hearts, the tale concerns the tenderly burgeoning friendship of its only characters: a burly Newfoundland dog that emerges from the sea--it was a puzzle whence he had come--and a skinny, dirty, white kitten. Wary of each other at first, the two reconnoiter in a frisky game of wag, advance, pounce, retreat, then proceed to more loving, trusting recreation. The seasons pass; Newf rescues his feline pal from the sea, from a snowdrift, and the friends are happy in their no longer deserted cottage. In clear, active prose, Killilea unfolds her tale so directly that its emotional content may catch readers unaware. In Schoenherr's children's book debut, the artist provides bold, graphic images. These oversize illustrations, in earthy, textured colors, fill up space with a Georgia O'Keeffe-like spareness. A touching tale with a subtle message about interdependence, perfect for reading aloud. All ages.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Killilea's admiration for Newfoundlands clearly shines through in this story based on a legend from the Gaspe Peninsula. It's a winning tale, despite the fact that the writing occasionally slips into sentimentality and mild anthropomorphism. A large black dog is carried by the waves up onto the shore; there is no clue as to where he comes from. In a deserted cottage he finds a frail, white kitten that he befriends and subsequently rescues from harm on several occasions. The two hunt for food and survive the harsh climate . Schoenherr's distinguished illustrations effectively portray the majesty of this isolated landscape. Heavily textured oil paintings utilize bold perspectives to create drama, while maritime shades of gray-blues and greens capture the sea and sky wilderness. The haunting illustrations, as well as the fact that no humans enter into the picture, add to the mysterious mood and the book's intrigue. --Alexandra Marris, Rochester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback
• Publisher: Puffin (November 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698113969
• ISBN-13: 978-0698113961
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #966,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is beautifully written and illustrated., November 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Newf (Mass Market Paperback)

The author's choice of words paints a picture as beautiful as the illustrator does with paint. This is a wonderful example for children on how to use discriptive words to paint a picture for the reader. The story stands alone with its characters and plot, but with the illustrations it becomes a treasure to cherish.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for kids & "Newfie people", August 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Newf (Hardcover)

I bought "Newf" for my kids, (and because we are Newfie owners) and kept it after they outgrew it. The only characters in the story are the huge gentle dog which arrives mysteriously from the sea, and the orphan kitten it finds and adopts. "Newf" is an engaging tale of how the dog watches over the kitten, and rescues it when it gets onto danger. Appealing illustrations, and a warm, reassuring story, especially for younger children.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the unexpected friendship, December 3, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Newf (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful story. It tells the tale of a brave rescue and an everlasting friendship.
The friendship is between two unlikely companions, between a large brave newfoundland dog and a tiny abandoned white kitten. It is the time they spend together living in a deserted cottage through all kinds of weather conditions The pictures depict the fondness,the two had for each other.