Gaspard on Vacation

The book is great for kids. I especially love that all illustrations are actually paintings!

This is a charming book and beautifully illustrated. I bought it for my 2-year-old son to prepare for our trip to Venice(and because the colorful illustration of Gaspard and Piazza San Marco caught my eye). It has quickly become one of his favorites. Yesterday he pointed to a painting of the Mendocino Coast that hangs in our dining room and said "Venice?"

Gaspard is a little black dog who loves to travel and can't wait to tell us all about his family vacation in Venice. What did he do all day, every day...visit museums and more museums. Just as the family was about to enter another museum, Gaspard sees a small red kayak and while his family's not looking, takes off in it. He paddles all over Venice, having a great time and taking in the sights until he has a little boating accident. The people is that big black gondola were sure wet and angry, so Gaspard quickly paddles on until it begins to get dark and he starts to get a little scared. But never fear...the police find him in no time, his family is so relieved they aren't even mad and they all celebrate with the very best spaghetti in the world..... Ann Gutman has written a delightful story that really captures the essence of a small childs thoughts and actions and youngsters will easily identify with Gaspard has he takes off on his little adventure. Her simple gentle text has just the right combination of humor and suspense, complete with happily ever after ending. Georg Hallensleben's beautiful and lush artwork adds just the right touch and takes readers on a wonderfully scenic tour of Venice, as they read. Like its companion book, Lisa's Airplane Trip, Gaspard on Vacation is perfect for preschoolers and beginning readers.

I'm a big fan of children's picture books. Yes, I'm nearly 40! But the best picture books transcend age and can be as much a delight for adults as for kids. "Gaspard on Vacation" and "Lisa's Airplane Trip," the first two in the Misadventures of Gaspard and Lisa series, are among the best of the year so far-- colorful and delightful stories of two travelling dogs, with whimsical and hilarious painted illustrations.Fluffy black dog Gaspard is on holiday in Venice with his entire family, and museum after museum is getting a bit too boring for adventurous Gaspard. He runs off to explore Venice's canals in a little red kayak, leading to a mishap that shows him maybe boring museums aren't so bad after all. All's well that ends well as the entire family is re-united for dinner of "the best spaghetti in the world." George Hallensleben's painted illustrations are brilliant, vibrant, and detailed, and Ann Gutman's simple but effective story is a brisk and fun read. Afficionados of Venice will even spot local landmarks in the background as Gaspard paddles along! I highly recommend both this and "Lisa's Airplane Trip," and I'm eagerly awaiting the other Lisa and Gaspard books. Do yourself a favor as much has your kids and pick these up--they'll quickly become favorites for both young and old.