Rip Squeak and His Friends (Hardcover)

by Susan Yost-Filgate (Author), Leonard Filgate (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
This first book in a projected series, the Roaring Adventures of Rip Squeak, by a husband-and-wife team, suffers from a surfeit of cuteness. Rip Squeak and Jesse are brother and sister mice who befriend a lonely kitten one day when her owners are away. Their circle soon expands to include a theatrical frog named Euripedes, after he helps save Jesse from a not-so-fluffy feline. Any excitement that might have been drummed up by the mild adventures the creatures encounter is deflated by leaden descriptions ("they popped popcorn, told silly jokes and laughed so hard it hurt") and an excess of exclamation points. If the text borders on the trite ("If you play a little faster, the piano will make a happy sound and maybe that will make you happy too"), the artwork fares marginally better. Many of Leonard Filgate's paintings reflect a keen eye for composition and color, especially in the outdoor scenes and the endpapers, but the characters assume plush-toy status thanks to such overly precious features as long eyelashes and enormous ears. Ages 4-8.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
Have you ever wondered what happens when you leave the house? Have you ever wondered what the animals are doing while you re away? This beautifully illustrated book dares to imagine just that. It tells the story of one house whose owners have gone away on vacation and left the cat and some mice and one garden frog alone. Does it sound like a dangerous mixture? Well, what happens next is a series of lively adventures that are driven by fun and imagination. It reminds us that a lot of things can go on while us humans are away. The story itself is wonderful, but the pictures really bring it to life. They are exquisitely crafted and make the reader feel as if you can actually reach out and touch the characters. Leonard Filgate is obviously exceptionally talented and should be commended for the work displayed here. This book really should be a must have for any collection. --The CLCD Company, LLC

Imagine a near-perfect world where cats and mice get along...well, maybe it only happens in books such as Rip Squeak and His Friends. Illustrator Leonard Filgate captures the innocence of-and brings humanlike qualities to all the characters in his colorful and detailed artwork. The characters' acceptance of each others differences allows them to interact without prejudice and sets the mood for this gentle tale. --Los Angeles Daily News

One book worth reading... Sometimes, best friend turn out to be those you d least expect. Author Susan Yost-Filgate teaches kids understanding in her new book, Rip Squeak and His Friends. The story for 3 to 8 year olds is sweetly told, but the beauty of the book is in the acrylic paintings by Leonard Filgate. The colorful paintings of the two mice, cat and a frog are done in exquisite detail and are so lovely they re displayed in art galleries across the country. --Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Rip Squeak Press; 3rd edition (October 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974782505
• ISBN-13: 978-0974782508
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #347,331 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated, November 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Rip Squeak and His Friends (Paperback)

The beautiful illustrations by Leonard Filgate are some of the most professional, artistic work available in children's picture books today! They also express a wide range of human emotions through the animals' gestures which my children could easily understand. Rip Sqeak and His Friends are their "newest best friends". A great story book and a great art book for kids of all ages.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story , even for a 39 year old. Beautiful artwork!, September 7, 2001

By	K. Woods "music and book lover" (Bellingham, Wa United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Rip Squeak and His Friends (Paperback)

It was seeing the artwork that made me buy this book. I was drawn back to my childhood when I saw the work of Leonard Filgate in an art gallery, standing there mesmerized by the detail and capture of emotion in his characters. I couldn't afford the paintings so I thought I would pick up the book as a memento. Well, I had an hour to kill so I began to read, what a joyous story! Pick one up for yourself or your child, and enjoy!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Illustrations, March 2, 2006

By	Carrie Tucker "educated mother" (Larchmont, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Rip Squeak and His Friends (Hardcover)

I have 2 young boys ages 4 and 2 who love to read so we have shelves and shelves full of books. This book is by far one of my favorites in terms of gorgeous illustrations and the ability to bring imagination and ideas to my older son. One book in this series, "The Treasure", was originally given to us by my father, who is an illustrator and art director. He was amazed by the beauty as well, and we've purchased every other book by this author in order to keep the story going. My son loves the story and I think it teaches him how to pretend, make up stories, and have good old fashioned fun with dress up and fantasy without all the batteries, bells, and whistles in today's toys. This book is truly inspirational and one of a kind.