Murphy in the City

September 28, 2015
More than a decade after A Day in the Life of Murphy, Provensen’s opinionated terrier gets a taste of city life. Though Murphy is initially unenthusiastic (“Nothing but cars and concrete. Yuck!”), his tune changes when he sees the dog-centric slate of activities planned. Even a quick trip to an animal shelter after Murphy wanders off doesn’t dampen his spirits for long. Provensen’s oil paintings have the posed, static look of folk art, though she mixes in modern details, like an urban dog-walker wrestling with his charges or a doggie boutique brimming with chew toys and other goodies. Ages 4–8.

October 1, 2015
The multicolored paw prints that cover the endpapers signal the return of Murphy-Stop-That, a small, loud terrier who lives on a farm (A Day in the Life of Murphy, 2003). When his human family (mom and daughter) goes off to the city (it's New York), Murphy is not happy to go with them]until he gets there. They meet up with a friend and her dog, a yellow Labrador, and visit many places that Murphy finds he enjoys: a dog-friendly outdoor cafe, a dog park. But at the Doggie Boutique, Murphy runs out through an open door and is scooped up by the dog catcher. He is taken to the shelter, where his family finds him, and they go back home, where Murphy would rather be. The pictures are bright and almost folk art-like in their clear lines, flat colors, and decorative details; the route to the city is made like a board-game map with gardens, churches, factories, and fields laid out on the way. The mom and daughter in Murphy's family are blonde Caucasians; their friend in the city is dark-skinned and -haired; the denizens of the city are of various ethnicities and, pleasingly, various ages. For children who love their dogs, hate long car rides, and fear the new and different (until they try it), much will be comforting in this unassuming, appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-7)

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Starred review from November 1, 2015
Preschool-G *Starred Review* This companion to A Day in the Life of Murphy (2003) details a New York City adventure for this high-strung but good-natured terrier, aka Murphy-Stop-That. Although reluctant to leave the farm (Murphy hates the car), he finds much to admire in the city: cars and concrete, canine-friendly restaurants, a no-leash park, and a doggie boutique. While his people are preoccupied, Murphy wanders away, is picked up by animal control, and taken to a shelter. Luckily, his humans know where to find him, and all ends well. As in the earlier title, Caldecott-winner Provensen's strong suit is her facility with the interplay of text and art. The story (presented in all-uppercase font with many staccato sentences) reads like a direct translation of frenetic barking: I HATE TO RIDE IN THE CAR. IT MAKES ME SICK! SMELLS OF GAS! GREASY OIL! Her energetic, brightly colored oil paintings brim with setting details and reflect Murphy's nonstop motion and barking. Scenes include Murphy barking at pigeons, a map depicting the car's path, a three-tiered panel chronicling Murphy's solo adventures, and a close-up of his straw bed. This delightful pup's-eye view of the world is great for reading aloud and sure to be popular. Everyone will want to take Murphy home, so purchase multiple copies.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)