Antoinette

Starred review from November 14, 2016
In a delightful sequel to 2014’s Gaston, Gaston the bulldog’s poodle counterpart, Antoinette, wonders what she has to offer compared to her bulldog brothers Rocky, Ricky, and Bruno, who are—respectively—clever, fast, and strong. Antoinette’s mother has faith: “Chin up!” she barks. “You have something extra special. I can feel it in my bones!” That something extra is persistence, readers discover, as the two canine families realize that Gaston’s brother Ooh-La-La is missing: “Antoinette felt a tug in her heart and a twitch in her nose. She could not—would not—give up!” From then on it’s an action-packed romp, as Antoinette trails Ooh-La-La to the Louvre, smuggles herself past the guards, and carries out a heart-stopping rescue—complete with an instant replay—atop a famous sculpture. Robinson’s Parisian spreads are full of retro verve, but he doesn’t overlook the city’s ordinary inhabitants—a garbage collector, a bubble blower in the park, a woman in a head scarf driving a car. DiPucchio excels in showing rather than telling, and it’s clear that beneath Antoinette’s fluffy exterior lies the heart of a hero. Ages 4–8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

Starred review from December 15, 2016
The beloved puppies of Gaston (2014) are back, this time with Antoinette's story of self-discovery as she reveals that every dog has a gift to share. Mrs. Bulldog knows each of her pups is special. It's easy to see the talents of Rocky, Ricky, and Bruno. But Antoinette? Well, Mrs. Bulldog reassures her daughter there's something exceptional about her. Unsure, Antoinette plays with her siblings and the Poodle family until one day a pooch goes missing! When her brothers can't find the errant dog, Antoinette determinedly takes up the cause and ultimately saves the day. Once again, DiPucchio and Robinson don't miss a comedic beat, creating a playful and funny tale full of warmth that deftly explores complex themes of belonging, self-worth, and purpose. Robinson's seemingly simple artwork belies his masterful ability to imbue his characters and the places they live with an authenticity and humanity that move readers beyond the surface of the page. Done in a warm palette, the sophisticated acrylic paintings create a sense of depth through scale and repetition. Spot illustrations in the rescue scene act like slow-motion film frames to great effect, and readers will adore the motley paw patrol running before the Louvre and its iconic glass pyramid. A reassuring tale that celebrates the uniqueness of each dog (or person) and the creation of a purposeful life. Three cheers for the winning Antoinette, who "could not--would not--give up!" (Picture book. 2-7)

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December 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-DiPucchio and Robinson follow up Gaston, their book about a French bulldog in a family of poodles, with a tale about his pal Antoinette, the lone poodle in a litter of French bulldogs. Antoinette's siblings all have special talents, but she's not sure what makes her stand out. All that changes, however, the day that Antoinette's and Gaston's families meet up and Gaston's sister Ooh-La-La goes missing. Stalwart Antoinette refuses to give up in the face of adversity and soon proves herself. Expressive and energetic, Robinson's acrylic illustrations are full of details that establish the Parisian setting, from the Eiffel Tower in the background to the beret on a painter in the park, and the climactic moment takes place in the Louvre, on the famed Winged Victory of Samothrace statue. The images have a flat, almost childlike feeling, with the artist using simple shapes to portray characters and objects and convey a sense of whimsy that matches the text. The focus is the dogs, but many ethnically diverse people appear in the background. While this is a straightforward story, with the familiar message that sometimes it takes time to discover one's raison d'etre, DiPucchio brings a lighthearted, arch quality to her narration, breaking the fourth wall here and there ("Busy aren't they? And ridiculously cute, but please don't tell them that."). Overall, this picture book is bound to have children rapt until the conclusion-and soon begging for another read. VERDICT Sure to be a storytime hit, especially where Gaston is popular.-Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2016
Preschool-G *Starred Review* Fans of Gaston (2014) rejoice! Now it's Antoinette's turn to shine. Her mother, Mrs. Bulldog, is busy raising her four puppies. Each ridiculously cute pup has a special talent (cleverness, speed, strength), but Antoinette is still waiting to discover hers. One day at the park, where the pups are busily playing with Mrs. Poodles' brood, little Ooh-La-La goes missing! The pups race all over the city, pursuing doggy tracks through the streets and sidewalks of Paris, dodging cafe tables, bicycles, and broomsticks. Unstoppable star tracker Antoinette strikes goldshe follows the runaway (who is chasing an orange butterfly) into the Louvre and saves her from a perilous fall from the top of the Winged Victory statue. The daring rescue is documented on witnesses' cellphones as they shout Tres bien! In a humorous spread, the author asks, Would you like to see that again? and four close-ups repeat the breathtaking save. Later, Antoinette grows up to become a famous police dog. Robinson's ability to portray diverse townspeople actively pursuing city life and gardens and buildings give special flavor to the chase, while a tantalizing glimpse of Mona Lisa's hands adds to the fun for repeated readings.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
In this companion to Gaston, poodle Antoinette--unlike her bulldog brothers--has no particular talent. But she finally discovers what she's good at when her friend Ooh-La-La runs off at the park, and Antoinette's bravery and doggedness save the day. Engaging acrylic illustrations in a warm, rich palette support the empowering tale, which is told with panache; even the typeface has personality.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)