Horn Book (Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2003)

A girl and her dog don life jackets and set out in a canoe. The wildlife takes an interest in this "one-dog canoe," each animal after the next asking, "Can I come, too?" One beaver, loon, wolf, bear, and moose later, the canoe is still afloat--until a frog hops aboard. Casanova's spunky narrator and rhythmic rhyming text and Hoyt's personality-rich characterizations create what's sure to be a read-aloud favorite.

Kirkus Reviews

The true story of a carrier pigeon in WWII is the premise for this mid-level easy reader that will appeal to young readers interested in airplanes and the era of the world wars. The special pigeon, nicknamed G.I. Joe, was sent from Italy by British soldiers to an American air base to cancel a planned bombing mission. The mission needed to be called off because the Germans had already withdrawn from the Italian town, and there was no radio or telegraph communication available. This situation is rather complex to explain within the confines of the easy reader format, and some children will need an adult's help with the military background. A simple author's note is included, but no dates, map, or country definitions are given. Despite these minor drawbacks, historical settings and interesting true stories for easy readers are always welcome, and G.I. Joe is a plucky fellow with an intriguing tale. (Easy reader. 6-8)

School Library Journal (Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2003)

Gr 1-3 This early reader tells the true story of a World War II homing pigeon, G. I. Joe, and the important messages he carried through enemy lines to save an Italian town. For his brave mission, the bird received a medal from the Lord Mayor of London and finished out his life in the comfort of the Detroit Zoo. Brief author notes give some additional information on the use of pigeons during war. The simple, accessible language occasionally detracts from the action ("Flap, flap, flap. The hawk did not catch him"). The watercolor-pencil illustrations show appropriate period details and give G. I. Joe a perky, alert look befitting his hero status. For collections that need nonfiction beginning readers, this one will be a useful addition. Ellen M. Riordan, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD