Buster - Hardcover

Fleming, Denise

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805062793 ISBN 13: 9780805062793

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2003

Synopsis

Buster does not like change. But change is coming . . . and its name is Betty

"Buster was a happy dog.
He had everything he could ever want-until one day,
when his owner brought home a big box."

Buster hoped there would be juicy steaks or fancy cheeses or spicy sausages in the box. But inside was something Buster did not want. And that something was a cat named Betty.

Buster is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

About this title

About the Author

Denise Fleming has written and illustrated many children's books, including In the Tall, Tall Grass, Shout! Shout It Out!, and Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy. She won a Caldecott Honor for In the Small, Small Pond. Denise published her first painting in the third grade, when she started taking classes at the Toledo Museum of Art and one of her paintings was chosen to be the cover of a teacher's magazine. She now works primarily with paper, by pouring colored paper pulp through hand-cut stencils. She lives in Toledo, Ohio.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 2-Buster, a red-coated pooch, has everything he wants out of life, including personalized food dishes and a comfortable backyard with all the amenities. However, when his owner brings home a fluffy white kitten, the dog's world falls to pieces. No matter how hard Betty tries to make friends, Buster remains terrified of her. Fed up, he slips under the fence, finds his way to an unfamiliar park, and enjoys a peaceful, feline-free afternoon. Finally ready to head home, he realizes that he is lost and experiences a few frightening moments until Betty comes to his rescue. After receiving an affectionate welcome from the kitten, Buster realizes that he has "-everything he could ever want-and more." Fleming's trademark handmade-paper artwork is awash with vibrant colors and dazzling details. Body language and expressive facial features establish the personalities and reflect the emotions of the characters. A mix of double-page pictures and smaller vignettes sets the scene and keeps the action moving quickly. An eagle's-eye map of Buster's route home will have children following each twist and turn. Divided into six titled sections, this picture book has the pace and feel of a beginning chapter book. The format, as well as the use of repetitive language, makes this heartwarming tale a good choice for emergent readers, while the eye-catching illustrations make it perfect for either groups or one-on-one sharing.
Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreS-Gr. 1. Fleming serves up another treat for young children in this endearing story about a dog whose worst nightmare is realized when a cat moves in. Buster has a cushy life until his owner brings home a cat, Betty. Buster is terrified, but Betty wants to be friends and tries to get Buster's attention, in the process irritating him so much that he runs away to spend the day at a cat-free park. Upon waking from a pleasant nap, Buster realizes he doesn't know the way home. It's Betty who guides him safely back from her perch in a tall tree in Buster's own backyard. A double-page spread map with an aerial view of the area marks Buster's route from park to home in orange dashes, which provide a fun way for kids to practice map skills. Dressen-McQueen's artwork, created by pouring colored pulp fiber through hand-cut stencils, is abuzz with vibrant color and exceedingly well composed. Another winner from a popular, talented author and illustrator. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805062793
• ISBN 13: 9780805062793
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Fleming Denise
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40