The Pickwicks' Picnic: A Counting Adventure

by Carol Brendler, Renée Kurilla (Illustrator)

Overview

Community cooperation turns a traffic jam into an opportunity for fun in this inventive counting book starring a pair of clever canine siblings.

In this highly original counting tale, the Pickwicks—Pip and Peach, Mom and Daddy—leave the hot hazy city for a picnic by the shore. Along the way, they are passed by 2 scooters, 3 jeeps, and more—until they hit a sudden roadblock of 10 cruisers. Traffic stops and drivers grow grumpy, but Pip and Peach know exactly how to turn an unexpected glitch into a festive occasion for everyone! Engaging rhythm and detail-filled art reward repeated readings of Carol Brendler and Renée Kurilla’s countable account of a very special picnic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781328468284
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	09/05/2017
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Lexile:	AD670L (what's this?)
File size:	70 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Carol Brendler is the author of picture books and novels for middle grade readers. She lives near Chicago, IL. Visit her online at carolbrendlerbooks.com and on Twitter @expectorchids.
 
Renée Kurilla has illustrated many books for children, including Orangutanka: A Story in Poems, by Margarita Engle, and the Zebrafish graphic novel series. She lives just south of Boston. Visit her online at kurillastration.com and on Twitter and Instagram @reneekurilla.
 

Editorial Reviews

"The illustrations are full of fun details and have a cartoonish style that works well for this story. The story’s strength lies in its portrayal of a positive attitude in the face of adversity, and in the resourcefulness exhibited by the main characters. An appealing and interactive read-aloud with a good message that is a solid choice for most picture book collections." –School Library Journal "Dog lovers and vehicle-obsessed readers will all get a kick out of this counting book, . . . Through playful repetition and some very expressive vocabulary, Brendler turns traffic-clogged roads and construction delays into an adventure, and Kurilla’s airy cartoons magnify the sense of fun." —Publishers Weekly ". . . darling cartoon illustrations, counting concepts, and all kinds of things that go, this book is sure to have broad appeal for read-alouds. A family romp that demonstrates what a positive attitude and a bit of resourcefulness can accomplish in less-than-ideal circumstances" —Kirkus —

From the Publisher

2017-07-02
A family of dogs escapes the heat of the city for a picnic by the shore, if they can only get through the traffic.The Pickwicks and their charming puppies, Pip and Peach, hit the road in the family pickup truck only to discover that many of their neighbors have had the same idea. They are quickly passed on the road out of town by "3 squeaky jeeps," "8 hasty hatchbacks," and numerous other vehicles. Just as they arrive at the box-girder bridge (a detail repeated several times), they and their traveling companions discover that their means of urban egress has been closed for construction. It is a massive traffic jam! Not to worry: Pip and Peach have just the right attitude for being stuck in a jam, and soon there is a picnic party for all the waiting motorists. Though the family is of canines, as they are fairly anthropomorphic and the parents are belted in, it will likely give many readers pause that the children are riding unrestrained in the bed of the Pickwick pickup. Nevertheless, with darling cartoon illustrations, counting concepts, and all kinds of things that go, this book is sure to have broad appeal for read-alouds. A family romp that demonstrates what a positive attitude and a bit of resourcefulness can accomplish in less-than-ideal circumstances. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews