Book Review: Alistair and Kip’s Great Adventure!

Alistair and Kip’s Great Adventure!
By John Segal
Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 9781416902805
$15.99
Grades PreK-1
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Complexity is not a prerequisite for success. Simplicity is a good thing. It’s also a quality that is becoming increasingly rare in children’s lit. “Alistair and Kip’s Great Adventure!” is simplicity at its finest. A story with a nice arc. Illustrations that vividly reflect the words and tone. An unassuming breath of fresh air.

Alistair is a cat with a curious streak. Kip is a curiosity-less beagle. On a whim, Alistair declares that the two should build a boat. After creating their vessel the pair set sail on a journey that brings them out to the ocean. After encountering a rouge wave our heroes are forced to swim for a nearby island. It isn’t until they’re squarely on top of land that they realize the blowhole. It turns out their island is in fact a friendly whale, willing to take Kip and Alistair back home.

Segal (“Carrot Soup“, “The Lonely Moose“) can really do a number with his watercolors. Since this book is for emerging readers, text is spare and the illustrations assume a higher level of importance. They don’t disappoint. A notable series takes place as our characters are headed out to sea. Segal pulls back with each successive frame, giving the reader a sense of the ocean’s magnitude.

“Alistair and Kip’s Great Adventure” stands out for its simple, beautiful storytelling. A quality picture book for beginning readers.

Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.

Visit John Segal’s Website.

Filed under: *Best New Books*, Reviews