The Pink Refrigerator

February 26, 2007
Egan's (Roasted Peanuts
) contemplative picture books, including this story of inspiration, suit jaded adults as well as children. Thrift shop owner Dodsworth, whose tidy gray pelt and skinny tail make him resemble a heavy-set rat, likes relaxing. "His motto was basically 'Try to do as little as possible,' " although his house and store are well-kept and painted in a comfy, mellow Arts and Crafts palette. He supports himself with leisurely trips to the junkyard, where he picks up things to clean and resell. One day, he notices a rusty pink refrigerator among the discards, and admires the globe-shaped bronze magnet on its door. Underneath the magnet, which sticks despite his efforts to pry it loose, hangs a scrap of paper reading, "Make pictures." Dodsworth opens the fridge to find "a beautiful assortment of paints and brushes and a little red sketchbook." He plans to hawk the items, but on a whim he decides to paint. The next day, the magnet's note says, "Read more," and the fridge is packed with books. Subsequent visits yield fresh advice and necessary supplies. Egan's fastidious, round-edged tracings and soothing, even watercolor hues serve well his unhurried tales, which unfold in a calm, homespun fashion. This volume, like Oh, the Places You'll Go!
, urges a young crowd to seek experience, while counseling sedentary adults to create meaningful lives. Ages 4-8.

March 1, 2007
PreS-Gr 2-Bowler-hatted and be-scarfed, Dodsworth leads a rather dull and lazy life of naps, TV, and daily junkyard trips to replenish his thrift-shop stock. The mouse's routines are abruptly altered when he is attracted to a magnet on the front of a rusty pink refrigerator. The mysterious appliance becomes his cornucopia for adventures as it is filled with different supplies each day to help him follow the gentle suggestions written on notes held under the magnet: "Make pictures"; "Read more"; "Play music." His days become so filled with purpose and life that when a last note on the now-empty refrigerator exhorts him to "Keep exploring," Dodsworth finds he has the inner resources to do just that. Egan's masterful handling of the character's growth from lazy lump to a delighted self-starter will engage readers. The ink-and-watercolor art mirrors the laid-back tone of the narrative. In a style slightly reminiscent of James Marshall's work, Egan places his blocky rodent amid an ordered world of muted colors and white-framed spreads. This off-beat tale is perfect for reading aloud, but will also be appreciated as a read-alone and lap-sit. It's never dull."Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2007
Dodsworth the mouse is a stodgy couch potato whose motto is "Try to do as little as possible." The owner of a resale shop, he follows the same daily routine: a trip to the junkyard in search of treasures, naps and cheese, lots of television. At the junkyard, he finds a pink refrigerator filled with paints and a note on the door that reads, "Make Pictures." Dodsworth brings the art supplies home, turns off the TV, and paints a beautiful picture. On return trips, notes on the refrigerator's door offer new commands: "Read More," "Play Music," and "Learn to Cook." Dodsworth is so inspired by his new activities that he follows the refrigerator's final message ("Keep Exploring") and sets off on his bike to see the world. The messages about ditching routine and embracing creative endeavors are heavy and perhaps adult oriented. Still, Egan's smooth storytelling and uncluttered pictures of endearing Dodsworth will easily engage kids, and children who are anxious about change may take encouragement from Dodsworth's delight as he tackles new experiences.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)