Riptide (Paperstar) [Paperback]

Frances Ward Weller (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Paperstar

Riptide Windjammer was an uncommon name for an uncommon dog, a dog who loved the sea and was happiest helping the beach patrol guard the Cape Cod coast where he lived. But the beach patrol didn't need another lifeguard, until the day a real riptide came and Rip the dog became a local hero. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This moving tale, based on a true story, is deftly told and illustrated, and shows a deep appreciation for nature. Rip is a dog that can't be kept at home: he wants to be constantly patrolling the beach like a lifeguard. After heroically saving a girl's life when she's caught in a riptide, Rip is actually accepted as one of the lifeguards: "His place was on the beach. There wouldn't ever be another like him." Rich with the colors of sun-drenched sand and roiling seas, Blake's evocative paintings admirably bring to life this unique animal and the other denizens of the Cape Cod shores. On the final page, Weller writes, "It was Rip's obituary that first inspired this book," giving added poignance to his tale and making it more than just an exciting dog story. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Zach's dog is no ordinary dog. He's strong, energertic, in constant motion, and loves the ocean, thus living up to his name, Riptide. He's a terror on the beach, a pest to sunbathers, and an annoyance to the beach patrol. He's a year-round beach bum, and a nuisance to all but Zach--until he saves the life of a little girl who's caught in a real riptide. This is a good, solid story, with terse, rhythmic writing. The oil paintings are majestic in their sweeping, panoramic views of the ocean and beaches and countryside of Cape Cod. Riptide almost leaps off every page, so expertly captured are his vitality and love of his turf. This is a book that must be read aloud and savored, so that young listeners can hear the rich text and imagery that resounds like the rolling sea. A rip-roaring good adventure story starring a memorable canine character who's neither sentimentalized nor anthropomorphized. --Trev Jones, School Library Journal
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (July 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698113861
• ISBN-13: 978-0698113862
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 10 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,355,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Riptide, April 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Riptide (Hardcover)

I recently read this aloud to a group of 50 second graders who were easily mezmerized by the high quality writing of Ms Weller. She is vivid in her imagery and invocation of color. The story is about an heroic dog. His heroism comes about because he is determined to be who he is and be put off by the restrictions that others would impose on him. Some look down on him because he is a dog. Others want to hold him back out of concern for his welfare. Rip will be who is his. It is a great book with a great message. The kids got it and loved it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming story w/ vivid illustrations, November 23, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Riptide (Paperstar) (Paperback)

I picked up this book because we have a golden retriever, but I loved this book because of the memorable story & masterful illustrations. The pictures in this book are absolutely some of the best I have seen since Wesley Dennis. A must have for any family.

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE this story, June 18, 2009

By 

S. Clark (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Riptide (Paperstar) (Paperback)

What a great story and beautiful pictures. My 1st grade class loved it and they had so many questions, comments, and it just opened up so much discussion.