Rating: 
Summary: Completely entertaining... destined to be a classic!
Review: Both of Chris Van Dusen's Mr Magee books are incredible, engrossing, beautifully illustrated (and wacky) tales. No kid I know can put them down. My nephew asked to have it read 10 times a day the first week he got it!
The story is about a retro guy and his dog that go out boating for the day and end up stuck in a tree. They are rescued by whales. While full of drama and adventure both stories end in a relaxing shared meal ;)
Rating:
Summary: A fun read for all ages
Review: Chris Van Dusen has written a lively, colorful tale that appeals to readers young and old. His fresh illustrations and funny rhymes make for a delightful series of escapades for the hero and his canine pal. I loved the book from start to finish, as did my kids (ages 5 and 10.) We all hope Chris continues to chronicle Mr. Magee's (mis)adventures.
Rating:
Summary: real genius
Review: Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee is brilliantly fun. The story brought me back to my days of chanting Dr. Seuss lines, and the expressions--from Magee's surprised face to the squawking seagulls--made me laugh out loud. The retro yellows and rich sea blues make me want to climb into the illustrations, but the real genius of the book is the variety of perspectives. On one page, you're taken under water for a whale's eye view; on another you're high up on top of a spruce tree, looking down on the islands... "Then the whale blew a blast as hard as he could (Much harder in fact, than a little whale should) And that final blast blew the boat up in the sky First thirty, then forty, then fifty feet high." I love this beautiful book of adventure, and I'm buying it for every kid I know. Heck, for adults too...and I'll be eagerly watching for Chris Van Dusen's next work of art.
Rating:
Summary: Timeless
Review: Having read books to my children every night for the past 10 years, I can honestly say that this is one of the few children's books that you really don't mind reading for the 25th time in a row. It's got great rhymes that kids love to repeat (or fill in the endings), and the illustrations are lovably retro, fun, and colorful. A pure delight! I can't wait for the sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Little dog Dee-lightful !
Review: hey, you gotta see this one...i happened across it in a kiddie section of a bookstore & shoplifted it for my little nephew, then not even age 2. my sister (his mom) said it quickly became the go-to book. he even soon had memorized bits of the lyrical prose. the illustrations are bright and sunny. i can highly recommend this book, and no, i didn't really steal it. i like it so much, i can even keep from wretching when i look inside the back dust cover and see the now-mandatory photo of the author...
Rating:
Summary: Vivid Illustration, Cut writing, very nice author
Review: My wife and I had our 14 month old son, Matthew, up at LL Bean's flagship store in Freeport, Maine this past July. On our way out, we saw author Chris Van Dusen autographing two of his books - this one, and the one about camping with Mr. Magee. We chose this one because in Maine, we were staying by the sea. Mr. Van Dusen not only signed the book, but also drew a wonderful picture of a whale and gave an inscription wrote an inscreption to our "adventurous boy" Matthew. He posed for pictures and introduced us to his own family (with 2 boys). We read constantly to our young son Matthew (probably having well over 200 books) and this is among his top favorites. He points to the vivid illustrations and loves the little dog Dee. We are sure this is among is favorites because of the great colors and cute pictures. It is among our favorites for the same reason, but also because of all the autographed children's books we have, we know this is a terrific author who takes the time to do more than quickly sign his name. Thanks Chris!
Rating:
Summary: The top of the stack every night
Review: The illustrations and lyrical rhymes are some of the best I've seen. One of my favorites to read, and my daughter loves it. Great New England scenery -- I want to go live in the book!
Rating:
Summary: You'll love this one!
Review: This book is beautifully illustrated, each page is a colorful work of art. The story is adorable with catchy rhyming lines that children and the adults who are reading it will love. This book will probably be at the top of our book pile for years to come. Also, the book is very good quality with heavy pages that will last at least through my grandchildren, which is quite a while since my children are all under five!
Rating:
Summary: Cool
Review: This is a fun rhyming story about a man named Magee and his dog Dee. One day they decide to have a picnic on their boat. Everything is going well until a whale decides to play with their boat and they end up stuck in a tree. Luckily, the rest of the whales notice their plight and manage to save them. The book has a bit of tension, but it's not that scary, and there is a happy ending. The book is printed on pages that are thicker than normal, for heavy use. It has about 600 words.
Rating:
Summary: Cool
Review: This is a fun rhyming story about a man named Magee and his dog Dee. One day they decide to have a picnic on their boat. Everything is going well until a whale decides to play with their boat and they end up stuck in a tree. Luckily, the rest of the whales notice their plight and manage to save them. The book has a bit of tension, but it's not that scary, and there is a happy ending. The book is printed on pages that are thicker than normal, for heavy use. It has about 600 words.
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