Pushkin Meets the Bundle - Hardcover

Ziefert, Harriet

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689814135 ISBN 13: 9780689814136

Publisher: Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books, 1998

Synopsis

Pushkin tries every new trick in an old dog's book to inveigle his way back into the spotlight when he is consigned to the guest room by the advent of a new baby in the family.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

Jealousy of a new baby is the well-trod theme of this fairly predictable story, which depends on the art for its imaginative flourishes. The narrator, Pushkin the dog, enjoys his home life with Kate and Michael until the arrival of a baby consumes all of their attention. Saaf, previously paired with Ziefert for Wee G., cleverly amplifies Pushkin's role as a stand-in for an older sibling. His pert, angular gouaches show Pushkin as a cross between a dog and a doted-upon child: he sleeps in a four-poster bed, and pictures of him adorn the walls of the house. Pushkin does handstands and sometimes walks on two legs, and when Ziefert mentions that Pushkin "plays ball" with Michael, Saaf shows him swinging a baseball bat. Even with the playful art, however, the story never breaks free of its familiar formula. In the end, Pushkin, imbued with plenty of personality, tries to cajole a bawling baby by performing all of his tricks; the infant laughs, and Pushkin decides that he "might just get to like this baby after all." For a more tender treatment of this theme, see Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers's McDuff and the Baby; for a more vibrant exploration, Kevin Henkes's Julius, the Baby of the World is still top dog. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2AA refreshing and enjoyable story told from the point of view of a couple's lovable dog Pushkin. He has a perfect life with games to play, walks to take, and a special place to sleep. Everything changes quite drastically, however, when Kate and Michael bring home a new bundle. Ziefert uses her wonderful storytelling skills to show the upheaval caused by this tiny stranger. Pushkin displays feelings that most children will relate to, including the desperate comment, "I think of running away." The ending may be a bit neat but the book is still a true joy to experience. The text is simple, clear, and perfect for reading alone or with a group. Saaf's lively and expressive gouache illustrations effectively draw readers into the action and emotion. The archetypal plot plays itself out in each generation and is a good life lesson for children. Pushkin will be enjoyed for years to come.AChristie J. Flynn, J. Conrad Dunagen Library, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0689814135
• ISBN 13: 9780689814136
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40