Winner of the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children, this high-energy production is foot-stomping fun. Tom Chapin’s easy-going narration sets the tone for this story about Miles and his Swamp Band, whose music is in hot demand -– from sharp-toothed alligators at an all-night ball where the band is earmarked to entertain and be the main course! Jazzy music plays throughout as Chapin both reads and sings this entertaining book.
Realistic sound effects and appropriate mood music provide the backdrop for these two fun-filled, action mysteries. Who is that masked dog with an eye for art and a nose for justice? Why, Art Dog, of course! When the Mona Wolfa disappears from the Dogopolis Museum of Art, the police apprehend a mysterious masked artist. With a few swift strokes of his brush, however, the suspect escapes and with super art power, helps apprehend the true criminals. Dazzling artwork and witty nods to the works of such famous artists as Pablo Poodle, Henri Muttisse, and Vincent Van Dog combine in this delightful story. In Mystery on the Docks, an opera loving rat named Ralph stumbles across a mystery when two customers run out of the diner without paying. When he follows them, Ralph finds himself involved in a kidnapping of Eduardo Bombasto, his favorite opera singer! With characters like villainous rodent Big Al and Italian music as accompaniment, this rollicking adventure is sure to amuse and maybe even inspire new fans of opera!
'This delightful adventure comes alive with the sound effects of its waterfront setting...The hero, an opera loving rat named Ralph, is a short order cook at the diner on Pier 46. When two customers run out without paying, Ralph follows them and finds himself thrown in a cargo hold with Eduardo Bombasto, his favorite opera singer, who is being held for ransom by the villainous rodents...Narrator John Beach effortlessly handles the voices of all the characters...The Italian music which accompanies the story, is a great enhancement, breathing life into the short picture book...a great readalong for individuals or small groups.' - School Library Journal
Someone has stolen the Mona Woofa from the Dogopolis Museum of Art and it's up to Art Dog, the mysterious, masked painter, to find the missing masterpiece. With the same high-spirited fun and adventure that have made Mystery on the Docks and Mama Don't Allow such perennially popular stories, Hurd serves up a new action-packed tale to delight young readers.
