  | Murphy in the city Author: Provensen, Alice | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Murphy, a small terrier, reluctantly leaves his farm for a trip to the city, where he finds many things to do--and bark at--but he is happy to return to his barn at the end of the day.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (10/01/15)
Booklist (+) (11/01/15)
The Hornbook (00/01/16)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 11/01/2015 *Starred Review* This companion to A Day in the Life of Murphy (2003) details a New York City adventure for this high-strung but good-natured terrier, aka Murphy-Stop-That. Although reluctant to leave the farm (Murphy hates the car), he finds much to admire in the city: cars and concrete, canine-friendly restaurants, a no-leash park, and a doggie boutique. While his people are preoccupied, Murphy wanders away, is picked up by animal control, and taken to a shelter. Luckily, his humans know where to find him, and all ends well. As in the earlier title, Caldecott-winner Provensen’s strong suit is her facility with the interplay of text and art. The story (presented in all-uppercase font with many staccato sentences) reads like a direct translation of frenetic barking: “I HATE TO RIDE IN THE CAR. IT MAKES ME SICK! SMELLS OF GAS! GREASY OIL!” Her energetic, brightly colored oil paintings brim with setting details and reflect Murphy’s nonstop motion and barking. Scenes include Murphy barking at pigeons, a map depicting the car’s path, a three-tiered panel chronicling Murphy’s solo adventures, and a close-up of his straw bed. This delightful pup’s-eye view of the world is great for reading aloud and sure to be popular. Everyone will want to take Murphy home, so purchase multiple copies. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.
