Sit, Truman!

by Dan Harper, Barry Moser (Illustrator), Cara Moser (Illustrator)

Overview

No day is dull with Truman around, and he has his own ideas about what he wants to do. Too bad there are so many interruptions: Heel! Sit! Fetch! STOP!

Big, slobbery, and endearing, Truman will make dog lovers everywhere sit up and beg for more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547564159
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	09/01/2004
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	BR (what's this?)
File size:	55 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

BARRY MOSER is the prize-winning illustrator of many beautiful books for children and adults, including Harcourt�s Telling Time with Big Mama Cat and Sit, Truman!, both co-illustrated by his daughter Cara Moser and written by Dan Harper. He has won the American Book Award and earned accolades from the American Library Association and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Mr. Moser lives in western Massachusetts.

Editorial Reviews

One of the most engaging pooches to hit picture books since Alexandra Day's Carl, the mastiff Truman is one big bundle of affection and drool. The compelling cover (an irresistibly expressive head shot) makes it clear that Truman is no ordinary pup, while the opening scene confirms it: "Truman, sit!" accompanies an illustration of the humongous pooch attempting to shake paws instead. The trio that engineered Telling Time with Big Mama Cat quickly sets the stage for entertainment with such props as a "Super Slobber" water bowl and drool rags. Whether poking his head into the mailbox ("Sorry, Truman, nothing for you") or standing guiltily next to a toilet ("Truman, that is not your water bowl"), it's abundantly evident that Truman is a handful. Equally fetching is Truman's tiny companion pup, Oscar, who adds comic relief in the form of contrast (such as the giant hero's bemused attempt to fit into Oscar's bed). Harper's wry, minimal text plays straight man to the father-daughter Moser team's illustrations, a series of exquisitely pellucid watercolors that wring every ounce of humor (and moisture) from Truman and his exploits. This winning tale should enthrall a wide range of ages, from (human) lap-sitters to canine-crazy adults. Ages 3-7. (Sept.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

PreS-Gr 2-Harper's minimal text and the Mosers' watercolor paintings are perfectly paired. Slobbery canine Truman is both exasperating and lovable. A number of exclamations and commands are aimed at this very large and rambunctious pet. The line, "Truman, that is not your water bowl" is illustrated by a picture of the dog drooling over the toilet, and will have young children laughing or cringing. "Oscar is not a toy" accompanies an illustration of the huge creature clutching his tiny canine companion in his paws. On another page, a young girl desperately holds her ice-cream cone above her head as the dog's master exhorts, "No snacks today, Truman." The ubiquitous drool rags and Truman's overwhelming frame emphasize the demands and joys of owning a large dog. The absence of the owner's shoulders and face from the paintings and the neutral background colors in the full-page artwork suggest that those who do own such a pet should be prepared to have their houses, and perhaps even their lives, taken over. Readers who enjoy Alexandra Day's "Carl" books (Farrar) will be pleased to find another irresistible canine in the same class. A delight to share with children.-Alison Kastner, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

The Moser father-and-daughter illustration team collaborates again with author Harper (Cara's husband) on their second family effort inspired by a beloved family pet (Telling Time with Big Mama Cat, 1998). In this uncomplicated, episodic story, Truman is a huge, drooling Mastiff who rules the household. He lives with his tiny canine companion, Oscar, and their kind but rather ineffectual male owner, an anonymous grownup whose face is never seen in the illustrations. The owner's commands (and pleadings) make up the short text, with the owner urging Truman to sit, share with Oscar, go for a walk, and get out of the owner's bed. Large watercolor illustrations and the oversized format show Truman and Oscar in lots of playful or amusing situations, but there really isn't much of a plot beyond Truman's drooling and his disinclination to obey his owner. But don't underestimate the drawing power of simple stories about large dogs, as this combination seems to have endless appeal to young children. The final words in the story-"Good boy, Truman"-bring to mind another large, dark dog that did quite well with his own series of books with minimalist plots. Sit, Carl. Quiet, Clifford. Move over, Mudge. Make room for Truman. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews

"Sit, Carl. Quiet, Clifford. Move over, Mudge. Make room for Truman."—Kirkus Reviews

[star] "The Mosers' adoration of dogs is evident in their uncluttered, totally delightful watercolors that catch every bit of humor."—Booklist (starred review)

[star] "One of the most engaging pooches to hit picture books since Alexandra Day's Carl, the mastiff Truman is one big bundle of affection and drool."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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