Synopses & Reviews
Lump the dachshund is content living with David in Italy. But he is not happy living with Big Dog, who hounds him day and night. Lump needs a holiday. So when David announces that he's off to the south of France to photograph a famous painter, Lump positively scrambles at the chance to ride along. At the villa, Pablo Picasso greets them and is enchanted with the little dog he calls Lumpito. The feeling is mutual; from that moment on, the two become soul mates. Lump loves David. But how can he show his master, and Picasso, that he is home at last?
Review
Griffiths' lighthearted paintings charm. In some, the little dachshund seems heroic, nearly life-sized - quite a feat when he is sharing a story about a painter who most agree was himself larger than life. Kirkus
Review
Griffith's beautiful watercolors add to the richness and beauty of this tender and delightful story. International Reading Association Reading Today Online
Review
A memorable tale about the bond between man and dog . . . absolutely endearing. Canadian Children's Book News
Review
The illustrations cover most of the page and are filled with color and exuberance . . . The descriptive language would enhance ELA lessons, and art teachers could certainly find a place for the book in their curriculum. School Library Journal
Review
It's Picasso like you've never seen him before: through the eyes of a discontented dachshund . . . [A]n exceptionally heartwarming anecdote about the artist. Publishers Weekly
Review
Kulling and Griffiths' picture book with its real life characters, picturesque setting and lovable main character should prove a popular read-aloud for the K to primary group . . . Recommended. CM Magazine
Review
Solidly told without anthropomorphization, the straightforward text is elevated by Griffiths' panoramic double-page watercolors, which heartrendingly depict Lump as a hesitant, tentative animal just waiting for an excuse to become a happy, optimistic pet . . . [T]his is a successful, warmhearted outing. Booklist
Review
Simple and sweet . . . [Griffiths] perfectly captures Lump's spunky personality, the warm spirit of Picasso, and the special connection between artist and dog. Quill - & - Quire
Review
A great story, and charmingly depicted. Resource Links
Synopsis
Lump the dachshund is excited to escape his housemate, Big Dog the bully, and visit a painter in southern France. There Lump and Pablo Picasso become fast friends, and the little dog finds a new name - and a new home.
About the Author
Monica Kulling has published over thirty-five titles for children, among them In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps it Up, selected by the Smithsonian as one of Ten Great Science Books for Kids. Her books have been regularly nominated for awards, including ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award for All Aboard! Elijah McCoy's Steam Engine and the SYRCA Shining Willow Award for Lumpito and the Painter from Spain, which is also a Bank Street Best Book.Dean Griffiths is a popular picture book artist with more than 25 titles to his name. His many awards include the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Book Prize for Maggie Can't Wait and the Chocolate Lily Award for Ballerinas Don't Wear Glasses. Dean's 2012 title Lumpito and the Painter from Spain has been nominated for the SYRCA Shining Willow Award and was a Bank Street Best Book. His most recent book is Bad Pirate. Dean lives in Duncan, British Columbia, with his daughter.