Down to the Sea With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen (2000, Reinforced Hardcover)

With the fun and ease in reading that I haven't experienced since Dr. Seuss, Chris Van Dusen has written this adorable tale of Mr. Magee and his dog Dee and their encounter with a whale in the sea. The literary content is joyful and well rounded. The plot is a fun round way trip! Introduces kids to problem solving through social interaction and the benefits teamwork can offer.

I purchased this for my 2 year old booklover because our last name is also Magee and my husband is an avid sportsfisher, so Down To The Sea With Mr. Magee was a must and is now a permanent fixture on our living room coffee table. Every visitor who picks up the book (with a chuckle)and either skims or reads it, finds it pleasant and entertaining. Many have believed it was a personalized story for our family! Ironically, my mother gifted another of Van Dusen's titles, A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee! to my daughter at Christmas. That title is of comparable quality and content and just as fun to read!

Already a classic in our family, Down To The Sea With Mr. Magee! is destined to grant Van Dusen inclusion into the Who's Who of children's literature. Our personal identification with the book aside, this book is the best contribution to children's literature that I have discovered from a newcomer, hands down. Van Dusen rates, on my scale, with the masters and will, hopefully, produce a long line of titles portraying the colorful and comically illustrated Mr. Magee and his trusted dog, Dee - and inviting us along on their adventures.

You can't help picking this book up - again and again! Two thumbs ALL THE WAY UP! Rated A+. A MUST HAVE for every children's library!Highly recommended for children of all ages!