Gilbert, the Surfer Dude

June 1, 2009
K-Gr 2-As his family heads to the beach, Gilbert the possum knows he's forgotten something important. After perusing a book on sharks and jellyfish, his younger sister declares that she will not be swimming. When Mother reminds Lola about her brand-new swimsuit, Gilbert remembers exactly what he's forgotten. Of course, the cool "Surfer Dude" swim trunks that he finds at the beachfront shop are too large for him, but he's determined to have them. He's flattened by one wave and then, after one brief exhilarating ride on his boogie board, loses his trunks to another. He then joins Lola in the little pool that they dug in the sand andimpossiblyis filled with water. Like his oversize swim trunks, Gilbert's ambitions to become Surfer Dude are a bit too big to fit just yet. His adventures might also be a bit too small for a three-chapter beginning reader. Illustrated with average cartoon artwork, this dull title has little child appeal. Dori Chaconas's "Cork and Fuzz" books (Viking) make a bigger splash. Consider "Surfer Dude" if Gilbert has a following."Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2009
Grades K-2 This I Can Read Book in theGilbert and Friends series does its job. Its short, amusing, and will keep kids reading. Gilbert and family are on their way to the beach when Gilbert remembers that he forgot somethinghis bathing suit. He insists onwearing hisnewtrunks that say Surfer Dude, even though theyre too big. Surfing and oversize trunks can only lead to one thing. Adults will see it coming, but new readers probably wont. Theyll enjoy looking at the seaside doings in the friendly art while they sharpen their reading skills.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)