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Overview
“[A] fun romp, a child’s fantasy, and a great little easy-to-read comic that everyone can enjoy.” – Publishers Weekly
Luke looks on at the pigeons in Central Park, while Dad is lost in “boring Daddy talk,” and before you know it – Luke is on the Loose! He’s free as a bird, on a hilarious solo flight through New York City.
Harry Bliss, the renowned illustrator of many bestselling children’s books, finally goes on a solo flight on this own with a soaring story that will delight any young reader who has ever felt cooped up.
Synopsis
“[A] fun romp, a child’s fantasy, and a great little easy-to-read comic that everyone can enjoy.” – Publishers Weekly
Luke looks on at the pigeons in Central Park, while Dad is lost in “boring Daddy talk,” and before you know it – Luke is on the Loose! He’s free as a bird, on a hilarious solo flight through New York City.
Harry Bliss, the renowned illustrator of many bestselling children’s books, finally goes on a solo flight on this own with a soaring story that will delight any young reader who has ever felt cooped up.
Children's Literature
The story, presented in comic book style, features Luke, an active young boy, who is bored by his dad's dull conversation with a friend while on a walk in the park. Luke holds his dad's hand for a while as he studies some pigeons strolling about on the sidewalk. Then, he breaks loose and starts flapping his arms wildly as he takes out after the pigeons. His dad follows, but Luke and the pigeons are traveling at top speed. Luke is yelling all the way. He pursues the pigeons through the park, across busy streets, over a bridge, and into what had been a quiet neighborhood, screaming and disturbing people as he goes. In the meantime, his dad lets his mom know that he has lost their son and then asks for police help in finding him. The pigeons fly to a rooftop, and Luke climbs the fire escape to be with them. He is rescued when a woman reports sighting him. The paneled cartoon illustrations depict nonstop action. This story of a loving family will appeal to young readers. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.
Editorials
Children's Literature -
The story, presented in comic book style, features Luke, an active young boy, who is bored by his dad's dull conversation with a friend while on a walk in the park. Luke holds his dad's hand for a while as he studies some pigeons strolling about on the sidewalk. Then, he breaks loose and starts flapping his arms wildly as he takes out after the pigeons. His dad follows, but Luke and the pigeons are traveling at top speed. Luke is yelling all the way. He pursues the pigeons through the park, across busy streets, over a bridge, and into what had been a quiet neighborhood, screaming and disturbing people as he goes. In the meantime, his dad lets his mom know that he has lost their son and then asks for police help in finding him. The pigeons fly to a rooftop, and Luke climbs the fire escape to be with them. He is rescued when a woman reports sighting him. The paneled cartoon illustrations depict nonstop action. This story of a loving family will appeal to young readers. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2
Bliss has created an ideal graphic novel for emerging readers. While his dad is engaged in "boring talk" with a friend, Luke notices a flock of pigeons and chases after them. The birds lead him out of Central Park through Manhattan and across the Brooklyn Bridge to a quiet rooftop. The cartoon panels are so successful at engaging readers that young children do not have to be able to read the text to enjoy the story. Each drawing is filled with humorous details. In one scene children see a man proposing to his girlfriend before Luke leaps over his café table. Though he creates havoc wherever he goes, he remains oblivious to everything but the pigeons he is chasing. Children will enjoy his rambunctious adventure as he takes them on a spirited tour of New York City. In Benny and Penny , the children are suspicious that their new neighbor has stolen Benny's pail, so they sneak into her yard even though they know it's a "big no-no!" Through many misunderstandings, they learn to apologize and make a new friend. The simple text uses basic vocabulary and repetition, making it accessible to emerging readers. Young children will love the graphic-novel format and the sweet, charming illustrations will draw them into the narrative. Fans of Geoffrey Hayes's popular Benny and Penny: Just Pretend (Toon Bks., 2008) won't be disappointed with this sequel.-Mari Pongkhamsing, St. Perpetua School, Lafayette, CA