A Weekend in the City - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 2-- A tall-tale telling in a style reminiscent of James Stevenson's "Grandpa" stories (Greenwillow). When Pig and Duck extend an invitation for a visit to their country friend, Moose, he is hesitant because he doesn't think there's anything fun to do in the city. Trying to entice him, his friends describe all the excitement the city has to offer--baseball games, fancy restaurants, parades, the space museum. But Moose finds their amusements tame compared to the wild adventures he's had on the farm: pitching a fastball that slammed right through the barn; the day Uncle Waldo's hot, pickled brussel sprouts exploded and caused a huge fire; the time the space creature picked him up and gave him a ride around the universe. Just when Pig and Duck decide that nothing will convince Moose to take the trip, he surprises them with his assertion that they are the best reasons to come. Lorenz's characteristically sketchy watercolors contain a nervous energy that captures the grand tales Moose relates. Stronger than the earlier book about this trio ( A Weekend in the Country Prentice-Hall, 1985), the droll humor and strong friendship will appeal to young listeners as well as independent readers. It's sure to have children eager for a trip to Moose country. --Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Pig, Duck and Moose, stars of Lorenz's A Weekend in the Country , return for a droll encore that's sure to induce giggles in readers young and old. When they discover that Moose's birthday is approaching, Pig and Duck hope to lure him to the city for a surprise party. In response to Moose's question, "Is there anything to do down there?" Duck begins to list all of the things that make city life worth living in, while Pig, a true porker, describes the refreshments available at each attraction. ("How about the Space Museum? They have a great cafeteria.") But Moose, unimpressed, tops each city offering with a hilarious tall tale about his life in the country. Just as Pig and Duck despair of getting their pal to town, Moose solves their problem--and is reminded of another story. Lorenz is a master cartoonist: these color-washed pages are loaded with detail, expression and action. His text's good humor and sweet, subtle message of friendship provides a combination that can't be beat in any locale. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.