Pierre, a pampered show poodle in training, is torn between his love for his devoted owner, Miss Murphy, and his dreams of running wild in the park. One day, an open door beckons and Pierre escapes. But, this spunky little pooch gets more than he bargains for and learns that home is the best place of all. Pierre Le Poof! is this charming character's first adventure in a new series by author-illustrator Andrea Beck.
"Beck's softly hued colored-pencil illustrations track the wily Pierre's hilarious fall from fluffy petted pooch in his penthouse perch to ragamuffin street dog adrift in the urban landscape."
– Kirkus Reviews
"Detailed, humorous and lively illustrations bring out the personality of Pierre and his owner. The appealing and expressive drawings give a special charm to this delightful story...[Young readers] will welcome additional stories about this spunky poodle...Recommended."
– CM Magazine
"Kids will get a kick out of Miss Murphy's poodlesque tresses as well as Pierre's transformation into 'a glorious mess' during his time on the streets, which Beck depicts in copious detail in both text and art...Beck trots out a time-tested theme - there is indeed no place like home - and executes it with pizzazz."
– Publishers Weekly
"A warm and fuzzy kind of book. Recommended."
– Tucson Unified School District
"[A] delicious romp…The images, particularly, reinforce in a lively and humorous way the loving bond between Miss Murphy and her pampered pooch…The first of a series about Pierre, a dog whose further adventures it will be a pleasure to follow."
– Quill & Quire
"The narrative is fun and engaging with a humour that can appeal to both children and adults…This is a sweet story about the importance of finding the balance between taking appropriate risks in our lives and accepting who we are and what we like."
– Resource Links
"[Beck] uses a language that is whimsical, playful and as energetic as a four-legged fur ball…A straightforward, uncomplicated story that makes an excellent teaching tool without losing any of the fun."
– St. Albert Gazette
"Dog and owner bear a strong resemblance to each other in airy ink-and-watercolor pictures that delightfully go for the laughs…Will amuse preschoolers."
– Booklist
"Beck's illustrations are brilliant. Her detailed and colorful drawings add much to this simple story."
– Library Media Connection
"The detailed, soft-color illustrations add to the emotion of Pierre's misadventure in the park. This poofy poodle will endear himself to any reader, and dog lovers especially will want this book on their shelves. Children will look forward to Pierre's next adventure as author-illustrator, Andrea Beck, continues this series."
– Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
Canadian Library Association (CLA) Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award | 2010 | Short-listed
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2011 | Commended
