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Item Barcode | Collection | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
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| 33607001995847 | Picture Books | DEPAOLA | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
The Barker twins, Morgan and Moffat, are so excited. They are about to start school for the first time. Moffie knows all the colors (and gets a gold star) and Morgie makes a friend. Moffie knows all the numbers (and gets another gold star). But she needs a friend, and with a little help from Morgie, she makes one. Then Morgie shows he knows the names of the dinosaurs (and gets a gold star). Now they both have gold stars and friends. Whether they are learning new things, making new friends or just having fun, Morgie and Moffie-the irresistible Barker twins-both LOVE school! Based on the personalities of his own Welsh terriers, Tomie dePaola has created two new characters everyone will love!
Author Notes
Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut on September 15, 1934. He received a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute in 1956, a M.F.A. from California College of Arts and Crafts in 1969, and a doctoral equivalency from Lone Mountain College in 1970.
He has written and/or illustrated more than 270 books including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, Meet the Barkers, Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, and Oliver Button Is a Sissy. He has received numerous awards for his work including the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure. His murals and paintings can be seen in many churches and monasteries throughout New England. He has designed greeting cards, magazine and record album covers, and theater sets. His work is shown in galleries and museums.
Tomie dePaola died on March 30, 2020 because of complications he had from surgery after a fall.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Tomie dePaola introduces this "Special Appearance Video," telling young viewers about his own first day at school, and giving additional insights into what inspired him to write this book (Penguin/Putnam, 2001). Puppies Morgan and Moffat are off to school. Despite being twins, this brother and sister are quite different. While Moffie garners gold stars by the dozens, Morgie's people skills enable him to make many new friends. Eventually Moffie realizes that perhaps there's more to life than gold stars, and Morgie helps her learn to get along with others. On the other hand, Morgie learns that his dinosaur knowledge is good for a gold star. There's typical sibling rivalry in this gentle story, but issues are resolved amicably. DePaola's trademark bright and blocky illustrations are scanned iconographically, with minor animation added. The female narrator creates unique voices for each of the characters as bouncy, but not overwhelming, background music plays. Young viewers will appreciate Morgan and Moffat's experiences, and compare them to their own introduction to school. Primary teachers might find this a useful program for that first week of classes, while it would lead naturally into a writing assignment on school experiences for older students.-Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In DePaola's (26 Fairmount Avenue) first book in a planned series, inspired by dePaola's beloved English terriers, excitement builds for twin pups Morgan and Moffat Barker as their first day of school approaches. Moffie, who was born 10 minutes ahead of her brother Morgie, takes her role as the "oldest" to heart, acting bossy, competitive and precocious. Her over-achieving manner initially earns her plenty of gold stars in Ms. Shepherd's class, but few friends. Morgie, meanwhile, finds his own understated ways to shine and makes several pals along the way. Before long, the siblings learn a few valuable lessons from each other and come to agree on one important thing: they love school. DePaola's text introduces two amusing foils in Moffie and Morgie, but the story loses its delicate balance of humor and heart when Moffie's bratty behavior temporarily monopolizes the plot. Unfortunately, a few rough transitions trip up the story's rhythm and detract from the sweet denouement. Still, many of the situations here will strike a chord with young children and their parents and dePaola's sunny, gently humorous acrylic paintings are as winning as ever. Ages 4-7. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved