[.ca] Gaspard on Vacation (ISBN 037581115X)

From Amazon.com:
We couldn't believe our luck--one of our all-time favorite illustrators, Georg Hallensleben (And If the Moon Could Talk, Baboon), taking on Venice, one of our favorite cities, with his rich, gorgeous color palette and tangible brushstrokes. Gaspard is a black dog who loves to travel. On a Venetian vacation, he and his family visit "museums, museums, and more museums" until he happens to spot a red kayak just his size in a nearby canal. He hops in and winds his way through the canals of Venice until he collides with a "CRASH! SPLASH!" into a big black gondola. He makes a quick escape and hides in a church, but when it starts to get dark, he starts to get scared. The day is saved when a police boat finds him, he's reunited with his family, and they proceed to eat "the best spaghetti in the world." Youngsters will be pleased at the slight air of suspense and happy ending of this quick-to-read but satisfying bedtime story. Adults will revel in the warm wash of a sunny day in Venice and its familiar landmarks. (Ages 3 and older) --Karin Snelson

Paddle through Venice with cute dog Gaspard:
I'm a big fan of children's picture books. Yes, I'm nearly 40! But the best picture books transcend age and can be as much a delight for adults as for kids. "Gaspard on Vacation" and "Lisa's Airplane Trip," the first two in the Misadventures of Gaspard and Lisa series, are among the best of the year so far-- colorful and delightful stories of two travelling dogs, with whimsical and hilarious painted illustrations. Fluffy black dog Gaspard is on holiday in Venice with his entire family, and museum after museum is getting a bit too boring for adventurous Gaspard. He runs off to explore Venice's canals in a little red kayak, leading to a mishap that shows him maybe boring museums aren't so bad after all. All's well that ends well as the entire family is re-united for dinner of "the best spaghetti in the world." George Hallensleben's painted illustrations are brilliant, vibrant, and detailed, and Ann Gutman's simple but effective story is a brisk and fun read. Afficionados of Venice will even spot local landmarks in the background as Gaspard paddles along! I highly recommend both this and "Lisa's Airplane Trip," and I'm eagerly awaiting the other Lisa and Gaspard books. Do yourself a favor as much has your kids and pick these up--they'll quickly become favorites for both young and old.

Meet Gaspard...:
Gaspard is a little black dog who loves to travel and can't wait to tell us all about his family vacation in Venice. What did he do all day, every day...visit museums and more museums. Just as the family was about to enter another museum, Gaspard sees a small red kayak and while his family's not looking, takes off in it. He paddles all over Venice, having a great time and taking in the sights until he has a little boating accident. The people is that big black gondola were sure wet and angry, so Gaspard quickly paddles on until it begins to get dark and he starts to get a little scared. But never fear...the police find him in no time, his family is so relieved they aren't even mad and they all celebrate with the very best spaghetti in the world..... Ann Gutman has written a delightful story that really captures the essence of a small childs thoughts and actions and youngsters will easily identify with Gaspard has he takes off on his little adventure. Her simple gentle text has just the right combination of humor and suspense, complete with happily ever after ending. Georg Hallensleben's beautiful and lush artwork adds just the right touch and takes readers on a wonderfully scenic tour of Venice, as they read. Like its companion book, Lisa's Airplane Trip, Gaspard on Vacation is perfect for preschoolers and beginning readers.

Bellisimo!:
This is a charming book and beautifully illustrated. I bought it for my 2-year-old son to prepare for our trip to Venice(and because the colorful illustration of Gaspard and Piazza San Marco caught my eye). It has quickly become one of his favorites. Yesterday he pointed to a painting of the Mendocino Coast that hangs in our dining room and said "Venice?"