Theodor and Mr. Balbini - Hardcover

Mathers, Petra

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060241225 ISBN 13: 9780060241223

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1988

Synopsis

Soon after the kindly Mr. Balbini discovers that his dog Theodor can talk, he finds himself bullied by the demanding canine and yearns for a more traditional pet.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2 Mr. Balbini, a bachelor, enjoys the routines he shares with his dog until the day that Theodor surprises him by talking. Theodor's talent is hardly a blessing; in short order, he announces that he doesn't like his Beef Bits or Mr. Balbini's choice of TV shows or their daily walk: ``a bore.'' Finally, Theodor moves in with Madame Poulet to pursue his interest in French cooking, and Mr. Balbini finds himself relieved but lonely. Then, on a visit to Madame Poulet, he meets her neglected poodle Josephine. Mr. Balbini and Josephine are a match, and they return home together to share the simple life. Mather's naive, softly-colored paintings, which appear opposite every page of text, support the tongue-in-cheek narrative perfectly. Sharp-eyed observers will find a clue to Theodor's disaffection in the very first illustration: Mr. Balbini is throwing a stick for Theodor, but his grizzled old dog is looking steadfastly in the opposite direction. Funand even a bit poignant: relationships are not always what we take them to be. Janet French, Centennial School District Libraries, Warminster, Pa.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

Mr. Balbini and his dog companionably share their livesuntil Theodor begins to talk, and Mr. Balbini finds himself the recipient of a tiresome litany of complaints and demands. "Beef Bits again?" Theodor objects; "Too bad we don't have color TV," he notes; "I want to learn French," he commands. Theodor soon takes up residence with his French teacher whose stylish living is more to his liking; and, while visiting Theodor at Madame's, Mr. Balbini finds a more traditional pooch, one happy to share the simple pleasures Theodor eschews. The premise of this picture book is immediately appealing in its absurdity, and the story's offbeat humor remains fresh and surprising to the end. As in Mather's illustrations for Maria Theresa and other works, bold colors, skillful patterns, and the flat perspectives of these droll pictures double the pleasure. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0060241225
• ISBN 13: 9780060241223
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32