Hoppy and Joe - Softcover

PreSchool-Grade 2-A brown mutt named Joe wanders the beach alone while Gino, his owner, works at his lemon-ice stand. During his travels, the dog rescues a gull whose leg is caught between some rocks, and the two develop an odd-couple friendship. The bird is a whiner who dreams of flying south. He also has a limp, but Joe is happy to haul Hoppy around on his back. One day, Gino loses his lease and decides to hit the road and head south. The pup encourages Hoppy to come along, although the wounded bird is afraid of flying. As Joe rides in Gino's truck, Hoppy flies overhead but it soon becomes obvious that the gull cannot keep up. Although Gino doesn't want the gull to sully his truck, Joe takes a stand and the man finally decides to give the bird a lift. He soon learns to love Hoppy, and the three settle happily in their new beachfront home. Colorful cartoon paintings in bold colors evoke sand and bright sunshine and provide a suitable setting for this silly story of three unlikely friends.
Susan Pine, New York Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

While his owner, Gino, tends his lemon ice stand, Joe, a big sand-colored dog, hangs out at the beach. He doesn't realize how lonely he is until he teams up with Hoppy, a one-legged seagull stranded on the rocks. Joe gives Hoppy rides on his back up and down the beach, in search of food and a breeze to ruffle his feathers. Everything is grand until autumn arrives, and Gino decides to head south. Hoppy gallantly follows the sun, too, flying overhead, but eventually the poor gull's wings give out. Joe heroically refuses to get back in the truck unless Hoppy gets a ride, too, and finally, Gino gives in. Readers looking for something to read at the beach, or to read when the beach is closed, will appreciate Paraskevas's spry, sunny drawings, bright with the colors of the seaside and as welcome as a spray of waves on a hot day. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.