Perma-Bound from Publisher's Hardcover ©2017 | -- |
Publisher's Hardcover ©2017 | -- |
Starred Review Fans of Gaston (2014) rejoice! Now it's Antoinette's turn to shine. Her mother, Mrs. Bulldog, is busy raising her four puppies. Each ridiculously cute pup has a special talent (cleverness, speed, strength), but Antoinette is still waiting to discover hers. One day at the park, where the pups are busily playing with Mrs. Poodles' brood, little Ooh-La-La goes missing! The pups race all over the city, pursuing doggy tracks through the streets and sidewalks of Paris, dodging café tables, bicycles, and broomsticks. Unstoppable star tracker Antoinette strikes gold e follows the runaway (who is chasing an orange butterfly) into the Louvre and saves her from a perilous fall from the top of the Winged Victory statue. The daring rescue is documented on witnesses' cellphones as they shout "Trés bien!" In a humorous spread, the author asks, "Would you like to see that again?" and four close-ups repeat the breathtaking save. Later, Antoinette grows up to become a famous police dog. Robinson's ability to portray diverse townspeople actively pursuing city life and gardens and buildings give special flavor to the chase, while a tantalizing glimpse of Mona Lisa's hands adds to the fun for repeated readings.
Starred Review for Kirkus ReviewsThe beloved puppies of Gaston (2014) are back, this time with Antoinette's story of self-discovery as she reveals that every dog has a gift to share. Mrs. Bulldog knows each of her pups is special. It's easy to see the talents of Rocky, Ricky, and Bruno. But Antoinette? Well, Mrs. Bulldog reassures her daughter there's something exceptional about her. Unsure, Antoinette plays with her siblings and the Poodle family until one day a pooch goes missing! When her brothers can't find the errant dog, Antoinette determinedly takes up the cause and ultimately saves the day. Once again, DiPucchio and Robinson don't miss a comedic beat, creating a playful and funny tale full of warmth that deftly explores complex themes of belonging, self-worth, and purpose. Robinson's seemingly simple artwork belies his masterful ability to imbue his characters and the places they live with an authenticity and humanity that move readers beyond the surface of the page. Done in a warm palette, the sophisticated acrylic paintings create a sense of depth through scale and repetition. Spot illustrations in the rescue scene act like slow-motion film frames to great effect, and readers will adore the motley paw patrol running before the Louvre and its iconic glass pyramid. A reassuring tale that celebrates the uniqueness of each dog (or person) and the creation of a purposeful life. Three cheers for the winning Antoinette, who "could not—would not—give up!" (Picture book. 2-7)
Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)In this companion to Gaston, poodle Antoinette--unlike her bulldog brothers--has no particular talent. But she finally discovers what she's good at when her friend Ooh-La-La runs off at the park, and Antoinette's bravery and doggedness save the day. Engaging acrylic illustrations in a warm, rich palette support the empowering tale, which is told with panache; even the typeface has personality.
Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)The beloved puppies of Gaston (2014) are back, this time with Antoinette's story of self-discovery as she reveals that every dog has a gift to share. Mrs. Bulldog knows each of her pups is special. It's easy to see the talents of Rocky, Ricky, and Bruno. But Antoinette? Well, Mrs. Bulldog reassures her daughter there's something exceptional about her. Unsure, Antoinette plays with her siblings and the Poodle family until one day a pooch goes missing! When her brothers can't find the errant dog, Antoinette determinedly takes up the cause and ultimately saves the day. Once again, DiPucchio and Robinson don't miss a comedic beat, creating a playful and funny tale full of warmth that deftly explores complex themes of belonging, self-worth, and purpose. Robinson's seemingly simple artwork belies his masterful ability to imbue his characters and the places they live with an authenticity and humanity that move readers beyond the surface of the page. Done in a warm palette, the sophisticated acrylic paintings create a sense of depth through scale and repetition. Spot illustrations in the rescue scene act like slow-motion film frames to great effect, and readers will adore the motley paw patrol running before the Louvre and its iconic glass pyramid. A reassuring tale that celebrates the uniqueness of each dog (or person) and the creation of a purposeful life. Three cheers for the winning Antoinette, who "could not—would not—give up!" (Picture book. 2-7)
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)In a delightful sequel to 2014-s
PreS-Gr 1 DiPucchio and Robinson follow up Gaston , their book about a French bulldog in a family of poodles, with a tale about his pal Antoinette, the lone poodle in a litter of French bulldogs. Antoinette's siblings all have special talents, but she's not sure what makes her stand out. All that changes, however, the day that Antoinette's and Gaston's families meet up and Gaston's sister Ooh-La-La goes missing. Stalwart Antoinette refuses to give up in the face of adversity and soon proves herself. Expressive and energetic, Robinson's acrylic illustrations are full of details that establish the Parisian setting, from the Eiffel Tower in the background to the beret on a painter in the park, and the climactic moment takes place in the Louvre, on the famed Winged Victory of Samothrace statue. The images have a flat, almost childlike feeling, with the artist using simple shapes to portray characters and objects and convey a sense of whimsy that matches the text. The focus is the dogs, but many ethnically diverse people appear in the background. While this is a straightforward story, with the familiar message that sometimes it takes time to discover one's raison d'&4;tre, DiPucchio brings a lighthearted, arch quality to her narration, breaking the fourth wall here and there ("Busy aren't they? And ridiculously cute, but please don't tell them that."). Overall, this picture book is bound to have children rapt until the conclusionand soon begging for another read. VERDICT Sure to be a storytime hit, especially where Gaston is popular. Mahnaz Dar , School Library Journal
Starred Review ALA Booklist (Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)
Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews
Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)
Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
School Library Journal (Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)
Wilson's Children's Catalog
A New York Magazine Best Book to Gift Little Kids 2024
A 2017 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Winner
“Fans of Gaston (2014) rejoice! Now it’s Antoinette’s turn to shine.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Delightful…an action-packed romp.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Three cheers for the winning Antoinette!” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Meet Gaston’s friend Antoinette! Antoinette—a very special poodle—learns to follow her heart and be herself in this charming companion to Kelly DiPucchio and Christian Robinson’s beloved Gaston.
Antoinette’s three burly brothers each have a special talent. Rocky is clever. Ricky is fast! And Bruno is STRONG. Mrs. Bulldog reassures Antoinette that there is something extra special about her—but Antoinette is not so sure.
Then one day, while Antoinette plays in the park with her friend Gaston, Gaston’s sister Ooh-La-La goes missing. Antoinette feels a tug in her heart and a twitch in her nose. She must find Ooh-La-La. She will not give up!
Can Antoinette rescue the puppy in peril—and discover what makes her extra special along the way?