The Trouble With Mister

by Debra Keller, S. McNeill

Alex''s parents think a dog is too much troub le, so Alex draws himself the perfect dog. It''s big and purp le, with one blue eye and one green eye, wearing bright yell ow socks. He names him Mister, and an adventure results when he comes to life. '

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Drawing, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tracy Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex wants more than anything to have a dog, a dog that is purple, has mismatched eyes, yellow socks, and is the perfect companion for Alex. He draws this dog when he is told yet again that there will be no real dog in his future. When Alex dreams one night that Mister comes to life and wreaks havoc in the house. When he awakes one morning, Alex, finds that it might not have been a dream, but reality.

[The Book Box]

Mama read this to me one night, then read it to my class at school!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, imaginative story with really fun art.

[Litwithlove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex is a little boy who wants a dog more than anything else in this world. Mister is purple with one blue eye and one green eye, and has yellow socks on his feet. He is also the answer to alexs wishes. This was a cute read that my daughters and I all enjoyed.

[Anna Baize · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex has always wanted a dog, but his family says it would be to much trouble. One day, Alex paints his dream dog, purple with one green eye and one blue, and wearing yellow socks, he names him Mister. He carries this painting around with him in his pocket until one night, Mister comes to life! He knows all the tricks Alex wants him too, but he ruins the house. When Mister is gone the next morning, his parents don't believe the mess, and Alex is devastated that Mister is gone. But a while late, Alex gets a call that someone had found MIster. They drop off the paining on his front porch, complete with a note from Mister apologizing for all the trouble he had caused.

The illustrations in this story are cartoonish, brightly colored, and slightly expressionistic. The playfulness of the colors creates a playful and uplifting atmosphere, helping the reader to embrace the imaginative quality of the story. More realistic illustrations of the beast of a dog that Alex creates would be overwhelming and scary, but this playful style of illustration makes the dog more whimsy and lovable. The imaginative theme of the story is greatly supported through its stylistic illustrations.

This story is very well connected to the reader. It allows for the reader to relate to the want for a dog, as well as the creative aspect, in the imaginations of young readers, or children hearing the story out loud. Many children have imaginary pets or friends and this open ending to the plot allows the readers to appreciate that the pet may or may not actually be real, without any ending set in stone.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy wants a dog so badly that he draws a picture of his perfect pet and takes it with him everywhere. One fantastic night, the picture comes to life and the boy and dog have a rollicking good time - unfortunately this destroys the house and the parents and sister are not pleased about this.

The dog "runs away" and the boy does everything he can to get him back. Eventually an old lady brings the dog back - in picture form, which is good enough for the boy. Rather a unique tale.

Illustrations are okay.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun story about a young boy who is just dying for a dog of his own. His parents say no, so he decides to draw his own dog, fold him up and take him everywhere he goes. One night his drawing of a dog, whom he named Mister, comes to life and causes all sorts of trouble. The next morning Mister disappears and the little boy is crushed, until Mister mysteriously appears on his front steps a few weeks later. Good to be used for storytelling.

[Alexandria Hiam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun story about a young boy who is just dying for a dog of his own. His parents say no, so he decides to draw his own dog, fold him up and take him everywhere he goes. One night his drawing of a dog, whom he named Mister, comes to life and causes all sorts of trouble. The next morning Mister disappears and the little boy is crushed, until Mister mysteriously appears on his front steps a few weeks later. Good to be used for storytelling.

[Julie]

Read to me by my Granmamá!