Product Description

"Try to do as little as possible." This was Dodsworth’s motto. One morning, on his daily trip to the junkyard, he discovers a pink refrigerator. There’s not much to say about a pink refrigerator, except this one had a note on it. The note said, "Paint pictures." 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 . . .

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #299851 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-28
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .37" h x 8.26" w x 10.64" l, .86 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2—Bowler-hatted and be-scarfed, Dodsworth leads a rather dull and lazy life of naps, TV, and daily junkyard trips to replenish his thrift-shop stock. The mouse's routines are abruptly altered when he is attracted to a magnet on the front of a rusty pink refrigerator. The mysterious appliance becomes his cornucopia for adventures as it is filled with different supplies each day to help him follow the gentle suggestions written on notes held under the magnet: "Make pictures"; "Read more"; "Play music." His days become so filled with purpose and life that when a last note on the now-empty refrigerator exhorts him to "Keep exploring," Dodsworth finds he has the inner resources to do just that. Egan's masterful handling of the character's growth from lazy lump to a delighted self-starter will engage readers. The ink-and-watercolor art mirrors the laid-back tone of the narrative. In a style slightly reminiscent of James Marshall's work, Egan places his blocky rodent amid an ordered world of muted colors and white-framed spreads. This off-beat tale is perfect for reading aloud, but will also be appreciated as a read-alone and lap-sit. It's never dull.—Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Dodsworth the mouse is a stodgy couch potato whose motto is "Try to do as little as possible." The owner of a resale shop, he follows the same daily routine: a trip to the junkyard in search of treasures, naps and cheese, lots of television. At the junkyard, he finds a pink refrigerator filled with paints and a note on the door that reads, "Make Pictures." Dodsworth brings the art supplies home, turns off the TV, and paints a beautiful picture. On return trips, notes on the refrigerator's door offer new commands: "Read More," "Play Music," and "Learn to Cook." Dodsworth is so inspired by his new activities that he follows the refrigerator's final message ("Keep Exploring") and sets off on his bike to see the world. The messages about ditching routine and embracing creative endeavors are heavy and perhaps adult oriented. Still, Egan's smooth storytelling and uncluttered pictures of endearing Dodsworth will easily engage kids, and children who are anxious about change may take encouragement from Dodsworth's delight as he tackles new experiences. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
Tim Egan is the author and illustrator of several offbeat and humorous tales for children. He is consistently recognized for his individuality and delightful illustrations. His first book for children, "Friday Night at Hodges' Cafe" (1994), was recognized by Publishers Weekly in their Flying Starts issue, and Booklist proclaimed him "one of the most interesting author-illustrators around, always trying something new and quirky." Born in New Jersey, Tim Egan moved to California to attend the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He still lives in southern California with his wife, Ann, and their two sons. When he is not writing and illustrating books, he works as an art director and designer.