Spike and Cubby's Ice Cream Island Adventure [Hardcover]

Heather Sellers (Author), Amy L. Young (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

The great giant ice cream cone was visible across Torch Lake. In the distance, Ice Cream Island sparkled, so new and shiny, so beautiful and pink.

A dogs-at-sea adventure filled with turbulence, friendship, and plenty of ice cream!

Spike and Cubby are the best of friends. They are also a working dog team: Cubby is a writer with no time for interruptions, and Spike's an illustrator with a knack for distracting. But when the distraction is the amazing Ice Cream Island-specializing in Spumoni Baloney Grande-what dog can resist? This playful adventure proves that friendship can weather more than a bit of rough-and-tumble, and especially that a little distraction (and a yummy treat) can lead to inspiration.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–Canines Cubby and Spike take a break from writing and illustrating to attend the grand opening of Ice Cream Island. When they see that no dogs are allowed on the ferry, they rent a boat. Spike says he knows how to sail, but when a storm comes up suddenly, Cubby is the one who takes command. Although the boat capsizes, the friends arrive at the island, eat lots of ice cream, and have an exciting story to tell about surviving the storm. Colorful, gouache paintings accompany the wild adventure. They are well designed and paced and feature lots of amusing details. A far-fetched, but pleasant read.–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI
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Review

"Simple happy fun for young sailors, dog-lovers, and the few who like ice cream."--Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (September 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805069100
• ISBN-13: 978-0805069105
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,358,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I grew up in Florida--Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Tallahassee. My first book, which I wrote and illustrated by hand in a 1970s alternative "enrichment" school near the ocean, was titled "Arnold the Crab and Other Stories." The first and only print run was one copy. Arnold was me, and he and his family lived undersea. The main goal was to improve the interior decoration of the sea cave--Arnold had a lot of ideas.

In addition to wanting to continue writing and making books, I wanted to become a teacher. After studying creative writing and elementary education at Florida State University, and eventually earning a PhD in English, I started teaching at the college level in Texas, and then in Michigan. I still write almost every day, and think my teaching gets better every year. I feel extraordinarily lucky to have such a rich professional life, doing the two things I always dreamed of doing.

I've published three volumes of poetry, three books on the craft of writing, a book of linked short stories, and a children's book. My new book is a memoir, You Don't Look Like Anyone I Know: a true story of family, face blindness, and forgiveness. I'm at work on a new memoir.

When I'm not writing or hocking my students, I'm reading, riding my gorgeous svelte Bianchi, or wishing I was writing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable New Children's Book for Dog Lovers, October 15, 2004

By 

Erika Sorocco (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spike and Cubby's Ice Cream Island Adventure (Hardcover)

Spike and Cubby are great friends, as well as co-workers, for Cubby is a writer who has absolutely no time for interruptions, and Spike is an illustrator who gets distracted easily, and sometimes neglects his work. So when Spike hears about the fabulous new Ice Cream Island - home of the Spumoni Baolney Grande - even Cubby wants to trek out for a peek - and a taste - of the wonderful Island. However, dogs aren't allowed upon the ferry, so Spike and Cubby must find a way to get to Ice Cream Island themselves, through the rough-waters and all.

Heather Sellers' wonderful new picture book will capture the hearts and minds of dog lovers of all ages, especially those who enjoy sailing in the deep blue sea. Her writing style is delightful, while Amy L. Young's illustrations are extremely appealing, and depict dogs, rabbits, cats, and more in all diferent comic poses. Overall this is a lovely book that will be adored by all.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars adventure, April 30, 2005

By 

Melissa Sack (georgia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spike and Cubby's Ice Cream Island Adventure (Hardcover)

Spike and Cubby are two dogs who work together writing and illustrating books. One day they decide to take a break and go to a new place that has opened. The place is called Ice Cream Island. When they try to take the ferry over the the island they find out dogs are not allowed on it. They must find another way over to the island. They rent and boat only to get caught in a bad storm. Will they ever make it to the island?

5.0 out of 5 stars friendship and danger on the high seas, February 17, 2005

By 

corgi crazy librarian (Washington state) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spike and Cubby's Ice Cream Island Adventure (Hardcover)

Spike and Cubby are dog friends with very different personalities trying to collaborate on a book. Like good friends do, they help each other in unexpected ways. A shipwrek during a sponataneous trip to Ice Cream Island provides just enough tension to balance the sweetness of the story. The lively pictures are worth poring over for the details. A book not only worth reading to children, but worth giving to your best adult friends who are young at heart.