Story Time
One-Dog Canoe By Mary Casanova
Reviewed by Kathy Winkel Children’s Services Supervisor Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Ah, summer – the time for all of those fun outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking in the park, and even taking an adventurous ride in a canoe. And in the children’s story “One-Dog Canoe,” an adventure is just what happens to a little girl and her dog as they set out expecting a quiet canoe trip together around the lake. The canoe hasn’t gone very far when they encounter a beaver who asks “Can I come, too?” The response from the little girl: “There’s not much room. It’s a one-dog canoe.” “But with a slap and a swim, Beaver scrambled in.” As they continue on their trip, the group comes upon several other animals that ask, “Can I come, too?” Eventually, a loon, a wolf, a bear and a moose are also added to the canoe. The final straw comes when the frog asks to come along, and with a “Plop! Swoosh-a-bang-flop!” he jumps in, tipping the canoe and throwing everyone into the water. Readers of all ages will enjoy the author’s use of rhyming, catchy and silly text that makes one laugh out loud. Through the use of pencil and watercolor, the illustrator adds to the fun by creating hilarious expressions on the faces of the characters and remarkably clever details. Be sure to look for the frog on every double-page spread as he follows the group along. This picture book is perfect to share with very young listeners (3 to 7 year olds), and it will remain a delightful story for older children as well.
MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012
63