Dodsworth in New York

I love books that appeal to my sense of humor as well as my son's. We discovered Dodsworth on our last library trip, and it proved to be a gem. I should add that my son is 4 and currently demands "train books" from the library. I get tired of Thomas the Tank Engine (that's an understatement), so it's refreshing to find something new. While not strictly a train book, Dodsworth does take a train in the book, and the book has short chapters, one of which is called "The Train". It qualified. I love the subtlety...some bits almost passed me by, like when Dodsworth sees a lady throwing bread to some ducks, and one duck throwing bread back at the lady. The pacing was such that I paused a moment to realize what I'd just read, and then laughed. I can't wait to check out Dodsworth In Paris and Dodsworth in London.

I love Tim Egan books. This chapter book is one of his best. Its educational and hilarious at the same time. My 6 year old son finds it very entertaining and interesting....I would highly recommend this book and his other books

Dodsworth had adventure on his mind, but first he wanted to have breakfast at his favorite place, Hodges' Café. No one was there except Hodges' nutty duck, who started singing to him after he asked for some pancakes. "Fluffy pancakes in the air. Pancakes, pancakes, everywhere!" He started tossing them at Dodsworth. After that mess Dodsworth went to the train station and bought himself a ticket to New York. Chug, chug, chug . . . he was on his way. Later on, when he was checking his suitcase, guess who was in there? Now that duck made him some mad! When they got to New York, Dodsworth bought a ticket on the return train to get rid of the duck, but that rascal went missing. He just wanted to get to the boatyard and head for Paris, but he had to find that duck or Hodges would be upset. Then began his walk around New York City. He crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, went to Yankee Stadium and on to Washington Square. A kind woman was tossing bread to the ducks. "Only one duck was throwing bread back at the lady." Dodsworth thought he had him, but off he went and the chase around New York City was on again. From the Statue of Liberty to Central Park the whirlwind tour continued. Oh, no . . . duck was getting on a boat to Paris! Would he ever catch that daffy duck now? This was a charming little unexpected adventure for Dodsworth, who will take its young readers on an interesting tour of New York City and beyond. The chase hits all the highlights of the city and will be a learning experience in the Big Apple as well as the start of a fantastic new adventure series. The artwork is fun and very appealing. It won't be long before this series attracts a large readership. Oops, have to run and see if Dodsworth can catch that crazy duck in Paris!