The Pink Refrigerator
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The Pink Refrigerator

4.32 of 5 stars 4.32  ·  rating details  ·  93 ratings  ·  30 reviews
And so Dodsworth did.The next day, a new note appeared on the pink refrigerator. And the day after that, and the day after that.Dodsworth liked doing as little as possible. But the pink refrigerator had big plans for him . . .
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published April 9th 2007 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
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Heidi
Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: All ages
Recommended to Heidi by: Vickie Zippay
Shelves: picture-book
I LOVE this book. What a wonderful and creative message. This book is not just for children but for adults as well. Dodsworth is a lazy character who tries to do as little as possible. He goes to the junkyard every morning to sell useful items in his thrift shop. The rest of his days are spent watching T.V., eating, napping, and sleeping. Until he discovers an old pink and rusty refrigerator with a magnet on the front.

Dodsworth tries to take the magnet but it's stuck. That's when he ...more
Lisa Vegan
Lisa Vegan rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: readers/listeners who enjoy quirky picture books that have a philosophical message
Recommended to Lisa by: Kathryn
This quirky picture book reminded me just slightly (in a positive way) of one of my favorite books, The Phantom Tollbooth. It’s a very unusual book too.

A man living a sedentary and hum drum life gets some inspiration from a pink refrigerator. I’d have enjoyed this as a child too, but this is one of those picture books that might be an appropriate gift for an adult about to begin a new endeavor. I think one reason I enjoyed it so much is that all the new activities the man engages in ...more
Emma
Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars
This is where it all starts for Dodsworth. Dodsworth likes to do as little as possible. He has a routine and it works. Until he goes to a junkyard and finds a pink refrigerator with a strange note on it. Told to make pictures, read more, and to learn to cook among other things Dodsworth starts to realize there is more to life than doing enough to get by. At the end of the story he sets off to find an adventure--presumably the one that continues in the early reader Dodsworth in New York.

...more
Kathryn
A mysterious pink refrigerator comes with magical and sage advice for turning one fellow's easy, do-nothing life into one filled with interest and purpose. The story could have been far too didactic and even a little bit odd. But, I didn't think it was! I thought it was wonderful. Very inspiring and fun :-) The illustrations have a bit of an '80s feel to them that I really loved, too.
Shirley Ho
This is not only for children but for adults as well. Sometimes we are so comfortable in our usual way and we forget how exciting it is to be exploring and trying something new. While I encourage my children to keep exploring, this book reminds me to do the same. It is a wonderful book with a clear message.
Maria
Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars
Although this is a children's book, it is a book I feel everyone should read. It is inspiring to make you want to try new things; start new adventures! It is up to us to take charge of our lives and make sure that each day is fabulous and full of wonder. That is what this book is about.
Becky
Sniff! I read this long ago, pre-Goodreads, so I'm glad that Laura O recommended it to me now. This book is for anyone who's ever felt in a rut in their life, even if they don't know it.

"I don't know what's happening here, but, wow, what a great refrigerator!"
Dianna
Dianna rated it 5 of 5 stars
The pink refrigerator at the dump has mysterious messages and contains supplies to help Dodsworth break out of his uninteresting, do-nothing life. This was actually very imaginative and inspirational. My son and I both loved it and I highly recommend it!
Anna Wanderer
We have just discovered the Tim Egan collection at our library and it's great. His books are surprising, funny and kind hearted. This one is especially good; if you read it be sure to follow Dodsworth on his other adventures.
Chili Public
This was great! It was a suggestion from someone else's goodreads. It teaches kids that there is a lot more out in the world than tv. A lesson even adults (including myself) sometimes need to remember.
Teresa Garrett
A wonderful story about how complacent we become with our lives and ways to change the humdrum routine of daily life. I would really like to see a pink refrigerator full of possibilities1
Lorna
My first Tim Egan book, but definitely not my last! This one stars a recurring character Dodsworth, who begins the book trying to "do as little as possible". That changes however as he begins to receive secret messages via an old pink refrigerator at the junkyard. Will he change his ways? You'll need to read it to find out. Very cute and I will certainly be looking for more Dodsworth adventures!
Sq.Hill Library
Sq.Hill Library rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: claire
This touching and inspiring book is a wonderful story (for adults too!). Thrift-store-owner Dodsworth has a quiet, uneventful life until he finds a miraculous refrigerator in the junkyard; following the inctructions it magically gives him, he discovers an amazing world beyond what he ever imagnied. Dodsworth's story of ever-growing fascination is sweet, poignant, and inspirational; for any kid who's said they're bored or don't have anything to do, and for every adult who may have lost sight of...more
Carrie Kahle
Every one should have a Pink Refrigerator experience.
Just what one needs to get out of that safe, boring, place.
icybytes
icybytes rated it 3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: All ages!!!
Shelves: easy, fiction
It's a cute book with a great moral. Even though it is a children's book (or seems to be one), The Pink Refrigerator should be read by all ages!!!
Susan
Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars
A good book my Dad told me to read. Helps you realize that everyone can get stuck in a rut.
MnMs
MnMs rated it 4 of 5 stars
A great little story that will
cause you to stop and wonder
if you should change your day...
Christine
Sweet children's book on the joy of learning and discovery.
Emily
Dodsworth should try new things...and so should you!
Patty
Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars
Shelves: picture-books
A pink refrigerator with good suggestions for us all.
Marie
Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars
I really love this book, but it is a picture book for adults more than for children. The idea of turning off the tv and doing other things may be directed toward children, but the concept of having settled into a boring life and needing magical intervention to return to the things that brought you joy is really an adult concept.

The gentle illustrations speak to the simple routine of the main character's life. This is not a "Eureka!" story, but more of a "hmmm..."...more
The Library Lady
Reminds me of some of my favorite Daniel Pinkwater books in that there is a message but yet a story. Dodsworth is as dull as his name until a series of messages on a pink fridge in the junkyard encourage him to try thing he has never done before. Nice example of a picture book that is NOT intended for tiny twos--this would be a great choice for early school age kids and even older kids in the classroom.
April
April rated it 4 of 5 stars
This book was a little longish for preschool storytime but the kids did enjoy it. This is the story of a man who does nothing but watch Tv and what happens when he finds a magic refrigerator in a junk yard and begins to experience new things. I love pink!
Cathy
This was great! It was a suggestion from someone else's goodreads. It teaches kids that there is a lot more out in the world than tv. A lesson even adults (including myself) sometimes need to remember.
Amy
Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: children-s-books
This was recommended in the Friend magazine. It was a very creative book about people getting out from in front of the television and doing something. Very, very good!
Amy
Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: children-s-books
My husband, my four year old, and i all LOVE this book with it's mystery, quirks, and important message to explore the world around you
Warren Truitt
"Make pictures." "Read more." "Play music." "Learn to cook." "Plant a garden." "Keep exploring."

OK, I'm off to find an ocean...
Jeri
Jeri rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: kids-books
loved this book! has a great lesson about exploring the world around you and what fun it can be :)
Auste
Auste rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: Abigail Thompson
Recommended to Auste by: auste
THe Pink Refrigerator is a great story that gives great wisdom.

Greta
Greta rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: picturebooks
I liked the message in this book.
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Pink Refrigerator (ebook)
The Pink Refrigerator (Hardcover)

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