Doodle Flute

Daniel Pinkwater gently shows the limits of acquisitive materialism in this colorful, humorous book. Fortunate son Kevin Spoon has nearly everything, including his own TV, VCR, stereo, computer, professional running shoes, first baseman's glove, and even purebred guppies. One day, he encounters nonconformist Mason Mintz, who is deemed "weird." He wears sloppy clothes, cheap sneakers, a plaid hat, and says "ho" instead of "hi" because he likes the way it sounds. But Mason has a unique toy-a doodle flute-that not even the toy-wealthy Kevin has seen. The doodle flute plays a sound that Kevin had never heard before; furthermore, Mason's dad gave it to him, and it's the last of its kind. The interaction between Kevin (who attempts to buy or trade for the doodle flute) and Mason (with his easy individualism and Zen-like common sense) is graced by Pinkwater's characteristic dry humor and pithy dialogue. Although never preachy or saccharine, the book has some very important lessons. Like Mr. Plumbean in Pinkwater's "The Big Orange Splot," individuality has value. What may appear "weird" may really be an opportunity for growth, and the importance of sharing continues. Pinkwater also touches on how something unique and personal (the flute is given to Mason by his father) may have more value than the most expensive things. Even without these wise (and subtle) messages, Pinkwater has written an engaging and unique book, complemented by his trademark casual colored marker illustrations. This is a small gem of a book in the inimitable Pinkwater style.

Doodle Flute should be the one. Pinkwater has an ear for what matters and an eye for making it clear on a wide variety of levels. The book appeals to the very young kids it gets rated for, but picks up a fresh audience again in the early teens. As an adult, I loved it the first time I read it aloud, and every time since. Mason's stock, "Because that's just the kind of guy I am," has long since become a catch phrase in our family, and stands as a great summation of the book. Read it. Your day will immediately improve!

This is my favorite kids book and really, it's much deeper than the usual 'morality lite' type of sharing message. I have read "Doodle Flute" to most of our nine kids dozens and dozens of times. We never tire of it. Some of my kids have adopted weird kid, Mason Mintz, as their personal hero because the guy has guts-- real guts to be exactly who he is, no apologies. I have read "Doodle Flute" to high school catechism classes teaching the tpoic of human dignity. The highschoolers loved it and discussed it at legnth. Daniel Pinkwater infuses some solid truths about human dignity into this book in a nearly brilliantly understated way. Our family owns at least a thousand books, hundreds of childrens books. "Doodle Flute" should be on every book shelf-- children's and adults' alike.

Review by 6 yr old. A good book about sharing. Teaches you about being nice and the importance of friendship.