Rip Squeak and His Friends

This book is part of a trilogy of adventures by the same group of animals. The artwork is amazing and the story is charming but a little advanced for the youngest ones. I think it is appropriate for 4 or 5 and up.

I have 2 young boys ages 4 and 2 who love to read so we have shelves and shelves full of books. This book is by far one of my favorites in terms of gorgeous illustrations and the ability to bring imagination and ideas to my older son. One book in this series, "The Treasure", was originally given to us by my father, who is an illustrator and art director. He was amazed by the beauty as well, and we've purchased every other book by this author in order to keep the story going. My son loves the story and I think it teaches him how to pretend, make up stories, and have good old fashioned fun with dress up and fantasy without all the batteries, bells, and whistles in today's toys. This book is truly inspirational and one of a kind.

The beautiful illustrations by Leonard Filgate are some of the most professional, artistic work available in children's picture books today! They also express a wide range of human emotions through the animals' gestures which my children could easily understand. Rip Sqeak and His Friends are their "newest best friends". A great story book and a great art book for kids of all ages.

It was seeing the artwork that made me buy this book. I was drawn back to my childhood when I saw the work of Leonard Filgate in an art gallery, standing there mesmerized by the detail and capture of emotion in his characters. I couldn't afford the paintings so I thought I would pick up the book as a memento. Well, I had an hour to kill so I began to read, what a joyous story! Pick one up for yourself or your child, and enjoy!!