Top of the World (Toot & Puddle) [Hardcover]

Holly Hobbie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002 | Grade Level: P and up

When Toot doesn't return home to Woodcock Pocket as expected, Puddle becomes worried and decides he must go find him. His search leads him on a remarkable adventure, and to new summits of friendship. As ever, Holly Hobbie's extraordinary watercolor illustrations are at once funny and moving as they bring to life this whimsical tale of the inimitable Toot and Puddle.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Toot and Puddle fans, rejoice! The lovable pigs are back in a touching tale of friendship lost and found--literally. The story begins with a note from Toot, "Puds, Gone for a walk. Be back soon. T." But he doesn't get back soon (no surprise to Toot and Puddle fans), and by dinnertime, Toot is worried. He heads into the night, searching everywhere. He decides to think like his buddy to track him down, so he hops a train, then a bus, then gets on an airplane to Provence. And, what's this? "'Bonjour, mon ami!' Toot cheered." Once together, they head for Nepal, naturally, for the top of the world. And then they get homesick. Hollie Hobbie's gentle watercolors are as charming as ever. Children will worry about Toot, admire Puddle's loyalty, and cheer the happy ending. (Ages 3 to 7) --Karin Snelson

From Publishers Weekly

Hobbie's winsome pigs are traveling again, up Orchard Hill and through the woods to the top of the world, but this time the various themes of the book are less integrated. What begins as a tender story about the fear of loss and friendship quickly becomes a less substantial picaresque adventure that relies heavily on readers' knowledge of previous Toot and Puddle books. Toot leaves a note for Puddle, "Gone for a walk. Be back soon." But when he doesn't return by nighttime, Puddle envisions him "[tumbling] into a hole... or something even worse." The sweetly touching illustrations of timid Puddle imagining wolves and confronting the dark woods are so successful that the lighthearted action in the last half seems almost like a different book. Fortunately for the implausible plot, Puddle's own whimsical choices lead him directly to the same place as his missing friend ("Which way would I go... if I was Toot," he asks himself). One of the strengths of this series is its appeal to both young and old alike, but here young readers who worry about parents and friends leaving and not coming back may find it hard to excuse Toot's egocentric search for adventure and his lack of consideration for Puddle. Nonetheless, Hobbie's expert and endearing paintings, some of which are standouts in the series, will appeal to her many fans. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316365130
• ISBN-13: 978-0316365130
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 0.5 x 10.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Holly Hobbie has worked as an artist for more than thirty years and is the author of seven previous and highly acclaimed Toot & Puddle picture books, as well as an illustrated memoir, The Art of Holly Hobbie. The mother of grown children, she lives with her husband in Conway, Massachusetts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will Love Reading This Book With Your Child, December 3, 2002

By 

"racantwell" (Eastsound, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Top of the World (Toot & Puddle) (Hardcover)

One of the sweetest children's books I've seen this year. The illustrations are so beautiful and the story is so charming you'll come back to it again and again. The plot is simple enough for the four and five year old set, but there is enough subtle content and gentle humor to the story to satisfy the six and seven year olds too. This book would even appeal to an adult friend -- especially one who loves to travel. Finally, if you are a fan of Olivia you will feel right at home with Toot and Puddle.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Porcine Grand Adventure....., December 17, 2002

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Top of the World (Toot & Puddle) (Hardcover)

When Puddle got up that morning, Toot was already gone. "Puds, gone for a walk. Be back soon. T" Only Toot didn't come home that morning, or afternoon, and by dinner, Puddle had decided it was time to go out and search for him. Thinking just like his best friend, Puddle soon finds himself at the airport on a plane to Provence. "Now that was one place Toot had never been." In no time, the two old friends find each other, and after having a wonderful time in the French countryside, decide to travel on to Nepal. "They have the highest mountain in the world there..." Holly Hobbie takes the reader on another heartwarming and entertaining adventure starring her endearing pint-sized piglets, Toot and Puddle. Ms Hobbie's gentle and witty text is engaging, but it's her sweet and captivating artwork, filled with bright colors, warm humor and dazzling, playful details, that really steals the show. Youngsters 3-7, who've enjoyed the previous books in this series, will revel in this latest adventure. Toot & Puddle: Top Of The World begs to be read aloud and shared, and is a fun-filled, magical story that shouldn't be missed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We love Toot & Puddle!, March 23, 2009

By 

A. G. Buffington - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Top of the World (Toot & Puddle) (Paperback)

Toot & Puddle is one of our favorite reads, for both the sweet stories and the illustrations. We love the characters Toot & Puddle and how they care about each other and encourage one another. The pictures are wonderful and the story always holds our interest with thoughtful observations and characterizations of these two best friends. This particular story features Hobbie's beautiful illustrations from places around the world which should get your imaginations going as you imagine traveling along with our little piggie friends! I would definitely recommend any of the Toot & Puddle stories for your preschool and elementary-aged children!