Tippy Lemmey

by Patricia C. McKissack

A New Dog in Town
Tippy Lemmey is no ordinary dog. Not only is he the only dog Leandra, Paul, and Jeannie have ever met with a first and a last name, he's a living, breathing monster! When they ride their bikes, he chases them, snapping at their heels. When they run, he runs. If they cross the street, he follows. There's no getting away from him -- over him or under him. He's their number one enemy.
Leandra, Paul, and Jeannie try to come up with a plan to stop Tippy Lemmey, but nothing works. But then Tippy does something totally unexpected, and the kids realize that maybe he's not their enemy after all.

Genres: Fiction, Chapter Books, Childrens, 2nd Grade, Dogs, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Patricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).

Reviews

[Keagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - 7 year old

[Coco and Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good I love the dog!

[Lars Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It's an Aladdin Ready-for-Chapters volume, so it's suitable for second, third and fourth graders who aren't fully fluent, but there is so much more going on here than in your run-of-the-mill early reader that I hesitate to include it in that category. It's about three African-American kids (that's only known through Susan Keeter's great illustrations) who are terrified of passing a house in their neighborhood because of the seemingly nasty-tempered eponymic dog there. Themes involve friendship, overcoming fears, resiliency, and independence. Tippy Lemmey is being taken care of the Lemmeys while his owner, their son, is serving in the Korean War, which could lead to discussions of that era. I liked the way that McKissack leaves that issue of the story unresolved. I'd include in with other early readers of depth such as Anne Cameron's "The Most Beautiful Place in the World" and Barbara Cohen's "Molly's Pilgrim>'

[Danie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place during the Korean war. Three friends are harassed by the new neighbors dog every time they ride their bikes. Its the only dog they know that has a first and last name (Tippy Lemey) Although the characters are black/african american it doesn't ever focus on the skin color aspect but instead focuses on the story. I loved it for kids who want to read a historically based novel but are younger readers.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tippy Lemmey is a book my second graders would like to read. I also think there is some valuable lessons that can be discussed through this book. Themes of friendship, bravery, and responsibility could easily be topics for conversations.

[Kelly Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

very fun to read about a dog that is nice but the main chracters think it is a very mean dog. a very good book and very dramatic.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guided reading. Second Grade Advanced.

[Lydia258 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to read a book to my kids that involves black kids just being kids......not related to some type of struggle or oppression. Just kids.

[Jamie Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my son's 3rd-grade homeschool curriculum.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

AR 3.0

[literarylands · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute read. The adventure Leandra, Paul, and Jeannie go through with Tippy Lemmey is very heartwarming.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My niece recommended this book to me. It is a sweet story about facing your fears, giving people/ dogs a second chance, and obeying your parents.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique story for kids looking for a beginner chapter book.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tippy Lemmy barks, growls, and chases the neighborhood kids. They, in turn, try tricking and tattling on the dog. But when Tippy is kidnapped, they rescue him and recognize him for the eager, helpful puppy he can be.
The narration is first person: "One of our favorite play spots was Ashland Bridge. It had two levels. One was a road...." The story picks up a few pages in. My scuffle with the book is that it doesn't immediately introduce the kids, but describes the setting and the dog. So, we don't know the kids in order to relate to how much the dog is a problem.
It is an early chapter book, but might be better as a read-aloud, with paragraphs skipped by the adult reader.

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tippy Lemmey is a Ready-for-Chapter books story for beginning readers which will teach lessons on bravery, perseverance, friendship and patience. Though this book is great for beginning readers it will be enjoyable to upper grades as well. Pencil sketches for illustrations add to the text. The children in the book will learn that things are not always as they seem with the new bully in town Tippy Lemmey a chow puppy.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot is a little strange, and I believe it's most likely there's an unreliable narrator-type thing happening, which could possibly confuse young children. It's written in first-person from the perspective of Leandra, a young girl, and follows her adventures with the "monster": a chow puppy named Tippy Lemmey.

[Julia Buffington]

Three kids meet this dog on the way too and from school. The dog usually runs at them and growls. This causes the kids to be afraid of the dog. One day the kids witness Tippy being stolen and they let it happen. Then Leandra goes on a mission to save the stolen dogs. They successfully rescue Tippy and the others. The kids then become great friends with Tippy the dog. Ending in happily ever after.

[Aisley Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this hilarious story about three kids attempting to defeat their very own "monster"! Their monster was a dog with a first and a last name. Follow along as they come to an understanding and friendship with Tippy Lemmey

[Purna · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book scared me because they got chased by a dog and that is my wurst nightmare! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

[Shirley]

example of ready-for-chapters book

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good discussion book for the topics of obedience and overcoming our fears.

[Wyndi0419 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tippy has a bad reputation but he's only a puppy! Can he overcome a bad first impression? A great, sweet read for young emerging readers and dog lovers.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much more interesting and well-written than some early chapter books.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK. I wouldn't reread it though.