Antoinette

* "In a delightful sequel to 2014’s Gaston, Gaston the bulldog’s poodle counterpart, Antoinette, wonders what she has to offer.... an action-packed romp.... 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."

"Expressive and energetic, Robinson’s acrylic illustrations are full of details.... DiPucchio brings a lighthearted, arch quality to her narration... 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."

* "Fans of Gaston (2014) rejoice! Now it's Antoinette's turn to shine...fun for repeated readings."

* "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.... 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 page.... 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!""

"It's a fact of family life that every child gets a reputation: Rocky is the clever one, Bruno is strong. But what about Antoinette? "Unlike her burly brothers, she still hadn't quite discovered what she was good at," Kelly DiPucchio explains of the poodle-heroine in "Antoinette"...a delightful companion to the 2014 picture book "Gaston."
   Here again the pages brim with Christian Robinson's joyful, naif artwork as we return to the bustle of two Parisian families of dogs. Everyone is frisking in the park one day when a puppy named Ooh-La-La goes missing. Worried poodles hunt for her without success; anxious bulldogs seek but do not find. "In that moment, Antoinette felt a tug in her heart and a twitch in her nose. She could not—would not—give up!" In this spirited adventure for readers ages 4-8, it turns out that Antoinette's talent lies in the degree of her doggedness."