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Dodsworth #4
Dodsworth in Rome (A Dodsworth Book) by Egan, Tim [Paperback(2012/4/3)]
Dodsworth makes his Green Light Reader debut! Independent Level 3 readers willenjoy scootering through Italy and four easy-to-read chapters with Dodsworth andone very mischievous duck. The amusing antics include a pizza-throwing contest,s most famous fountain, and almost repainting theceiling in the Sistine Chapel!
Unknown Binding
First published April 18, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 13, 2022
The Dodsworth series is funny and gives a little taste of geography and culture to the reader. This is by far the best of the series (although I've not read the Tokyo one) and made me laugh aloud. Set up in an early-reader chapter format, these are great for kiddos who have transitioned to independent reading but need a shorter chapter book.
August 19, 2013
I really wanted to like this book. I really wanted to connect kids to other places and loved the idea of this happening in an easy chapter book. It's not what I was hoping for. Dodsworth takes in the sights and duck causes trouble, but in the end, all's well. If I had a surplus budget and had to buy more easy chapter books or if it were donated, I could see sharing this (and others in series), pairing it with photographs of the locations in the books.
October 14, 2011
Could not resist a quick read in the library. It is absolutely charming. My favorite part is when Duck tries to paint a duck on the Sistine Chapel to correct what he thinks is a glaring omission.
September 19, 2015
Real points of interst in Rome. Good characters. Series. Chapter.
February 8, 2021
Quite possibly my favorite in the series. But why the mole can't learn to carry a money belt and use a credit card I don't know.
June 20, 2025
This installment of the Dodsworth series was a lot of fun and the duck is warming up as a character. I appreciate in this series that kids are introduced to real sites in different cities. While the theme of losing all their money is repeated, it does relay a real concern that many people feel when traveling. Overall, my family really enjoyed this one.
May 3, 2019
Adventures
October 9, 2020
Excellent book...my kids and I laughed and laughed
January 9, 2022
Cute series that broadens the horizons of young readers with international sites and cultural insights.
July 12, 2022
Brought back many memories of the time we lived in Italy! Loved how the author incorporated the sights, sounds and Italian life in the story.
December 18, 2016
This easy reader by Tim Egan is the fourth volume in the Dodsworth series. This time around, the title character travels through Rome accompanied by his friend, the duck. The two friends visit such famous landmarks as the Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel, and enjoy authentic Italian pizza and gelato. They also have an adventure when Dodsworth misplaces his suitcase and realizes he has no money to get back to the hotel.
Though I was not familiar with this series prior to reading this particular book, it didn't take me long to recognize that it shares a lot of wonderful qualities with other well-loved and award-winning easy readers.
For one thing, as is the case with so many easy reader series - Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, Mr. Putter and Tabby, Henry and Mudge, George and Martha, etc. - the central focus of this story is the friendship between Dodsworth and the duck. Egan uses clever dialogue to demonstrate the differences between the two friends. Dodsworth is more serious, more responsible, and more mature, while the duck is curious, naive, and silly. The dynamic between these two characters reminded me a lot of some of the disagreements and conversations written into the Frog and Toad and Elephant and Piggie series, other books where opposites are best friends.
Dodsworth in Rome is also quite funny, at least from the point of view of a second grader. There are some corny jokes, such as when duck starts "roaming" because Dodsworth says, "Rome," and some moments of childlike misunderstanding, also on the part of the duck. There is even a bit of mystery, as Dodsworth and the duck try to track down the missing suitcase. These are all common themes in easy readers at this level that help make them so appealing to their audience.
Another similarity between Dodsworth in Rome and other books in its genre is the way the book is structured. Like many Level 2 and Level 3 readers, this book is organized into smaller chapters that break up the plot into shorter, more manageable episodes. This serves to keep the new reader from becoming intimidated by the length of the book, but also gives that sense of pride of really being able to read a book that contains chapters, just like the older kids.
What makes this book stand out, though, is that it takes these fundamental characteristics of easy readers and puts them in a new setting, with lots of great details, vocabulary, illustrations, and experiences. A lot of easy readers stick close to familiar settings, like home and school, or refer to no real setting at all, just placing the characters against a backdrop and telling their story. Here, though, Egan has made traveling to Rome an accessible topic for even the youngest independent reader. Kids can take a real armchair vacation when they read this book, learning about real places in the world they might visit and understanding a little bit about another culture. Egan makes learning about another place more interesting than any social studies textbook I read in elementary school, and I think he's so successful at it because he has these well-developed core characters and a fun, light writing style.
I never would have chosen to read this book based on the cover, so I do sort of regret the fact that it's not very appealing or eye-catching. But certainly, any child who makes it past that initial setback will love reading of duck's hi-jinks and Dodsworth's efforts to keep him in line, no matter which country they visit.
Though I was not familiar with this series prior to reading this particular book, it didn't take me long to recognize that it shares a lot of wonderful qualities with other well-loved and award-winning easy readers.
For one thing, as is the case with so many easy reader series - Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, Mr. Putter and Tabby, Henry and Mudge, George and Martha, etc. - the central focus of this story is the friendship between Dodsworth and the duck. Egan uses clever dialogue to demonstrate the differences between the two friends. Dodsworth is more serious, more responsible, and more mature, while the duck is curious, naive, and silly. The dynamic between these two characters reminded me a lot of some of the disagreements and conversations written into the Frog and Toad and Elephant and Piggie series, other books where opposites are best friends.
Dodsworth in Rome is also quite funny, at least from the point of view of a second grader. There are some corny jokes, such as when duck starts "roaming" because Dodsworth says, "Rome," and some moments of childlike misunderstanding, also on the part of the duck. There is even a bit of mystery, as Dodsworth and the duck try to track down the missing suitcase. These are all common themes in easy readers at this level that help make them so appealing to their audience.
Another similarity between Dodsworth in Rome and other books in its genre is the way the book is structured. Like many Level 2 and Level 3 readers, this book is organized into smaller chapters that break up the plot into shorter, more manageable episodes. This serves to keep the new reader from becoming intimidated by the length of the book, but also gives that sense of pride of really being able to read a book that contains chapters, just like the older kids.
What makes this book stand out, though, is that it takes these fundamental characteristics of easy readers and puts them in a new setting, with lots of great details, vocabulary, illustrations, and experiences. A lot of easy readers stick close to familiar settings, like home and school, or refer to no real setting at all, just placing the characters against a backdrop and telling their story. Here, though, Egan has made traveling to Rome an accessible topic for even the youngest independent reader. Kids can take a real armchair vacation when they read this book, learning about real places in the world they might visit and understanding a little bit about another culture. Egan makes learning about another place more interesting than any social studies textbook I read in elementary school, and I think he's so successful at it because he has these well-developed core characters and a fun, light writing style.
I never would have chosen to read this book based on the cover, so I do sort of regret the fact that it's not very appealing or eye-catching. But certainly, any child who makes it past that initial setback will love reading of duck's hi-jinks and Dodsworth's efforts to keep him in line, no matter which country they visit.
February 26, 2012
Dodsworth and his duck companion have already visited New York, Paris, and London, and now they're off to Rome. As in the previous titles, the duck takes everything literally, and when Dodsworth declares, "Rome!" that's exactly what the duck tries to do. There are plenty of examples of word play and misunderstandings as the two visit the Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel. The duck takes coins from the fountain and attempts to add a duck to Michaelangelo's masterpiece. The ink and watercolor illustrations are exquisitely drawn with much attention to detail in the surrounding areas the two tourists visit but also paying attention to touches such as the beret the duck wears and his closed eyes as Dodsworth navigates Rome's crowded streets on a scooter. Reading every page in this chapter book for early readers made me smile at the mishaps encountered by these two friends. I felt as though I'd been on a whirlwind tour of the famous Italian city.
July 30, 2013
Dodsworth and the duck have arrived in Rome, Italy. A scooter ride scares the duck so much that he keeps his eyes tightly closed, until he hears the word "gelato" - Italian ice cream! The duck also thinks that the Sistine Chapel's painted ceiling is missing something, and Dodsworth has to convince him to leave the masterpiece alone. In the middle of a pizza throwing contest, disaster strikes. Dodsworth's suitcase has gone missing! With all their money! What will Dodsworth and the duck do?
This is a great little book. I definitely laughed out loud at the duck's deadpan sense of humor - it reminded me a bit of Elephant and Piggy. I also loved all the references to real places in Rome. I would love to read more in this series where Dodsworth and the duck visit other famous cities. I'm glad I have another early reader series to recommend to patrons.
I would recommend this book to first through third graders, especially those who love to travel or learn about new places.
This is a great little book. I definitely laughed out loud at the duck's deadpan sense of humor - it reminded me a bit of Elephant and Piggy. I also loved all the references to real places in Rome. I would love to read more in this series where Dodsworth and the duck visit other famous cities. I'm glad I have another early reader series to recommend to patrons.
I would recommend this book to first through third graders, especially those who love to travel or learn about new places.
May 31, 2017
AR Quiz No. 142620 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 2.8 - AR Pts: 0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 2.8 - AR Pts: 0.5
June 29, 2011
Dodsworth seems like a rather boring character. He travels around the world; Paris, London, and New York. I love to travel, but I haven’t been able to enjoy Dodsworth or “sell” it to any of my primary students. It is often a Junior Library Guild choice book, and I trying to find endearing characters. The duck is kind of cute as he tries to paint the Sistine Chapel or looks for fleas at the flea market in Rome, not it doesn’t make me laugh out loud.
realistic/fantasy animals acting like humans
Reviews & Awards
Horn Book 05/01/11
Kirkus Review 03/01/11
realistic/fantasy animals acting like humans
Reviews & Awards
Horn Book 05/01/11
Kirkus Review 03/01/11
May 3, 2011
Dodsworth and Duck take off for an adventure in Rome. The first time I found this book funny and a few laugh out loud moments. The second time as I read it aloud to my wife I found it hilarious and could barely keep it together. Duck keeps Dodsworth busy as he tries to paint a duck onto Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, stealing coins from Trevi fountain and more. A good read for beginning readers and struggling readers who are making the transition to chapter books.
October 1, 2012
This is a fantastic book. To make sure your five-year-old gets the travel bug, get them this story of Dodsworth and the little duck, who go off exploring Rome. The drive around on a vespa, visit the Sistine Chapel and lose their suitcase. Duck is up to all sorts of mischief, but Dodsworth knows better, and puts things right. In the end all you need is a bit of luck, and you have the best holiday. In addition, each page features an adorable illustration.
Early Reader.
Early Reader.
June 27, 2011
Somehow I have managed to miss this delightful series. And having read this one, I am patting myself on the back for having ordered the other titles in the series. The deadpan wit of the dialogue reminds me of the late great James Marshall. Looking forward to seeing what Dodsworth and his unnamed duck get up to in my own New York.
July 18, 2012
The Dodsworth series includes trips to New York, Paris, London, and now Rome. The charming character (who appears to be a sophisticated gentleman) offers plenty of kid-friendly experiences and attitudes while weaving in cultural references to the city he visits. A well-written and unique series for beginning readers.
August 31, 2013
this is an easy book but i think it would be good for an upper-level easy reader. the top nate the great books are around the same lexile or above. the story and humor is geared for school-aged children. nice little tidbits of info about rome and nice illustrations showing the spanish steps, the coliseum, and the sistine chapel. part of a series.
February 18, 2013
I loved this book!
Dodsworth and Duck are a comical pair.
What a great way to introduce an awesome place like Rome to early readers!
Can't wait to read the other books!
Haiku Review:
Two friends go to Rome,
see the sights, make some wishes,
and get in trouble!
Dodsworth and Duck are a comical pair.
What a great way to introduce an awesome place like Rome to early readers!
Can't wait to read the other books!
Haiku Review:
Two friends go to Rome,
see the sights, make some wishes,
and get in trouble!
April 28, 2013
I really like all the Dodsworth books. I think they do a great job of helping kids learn about major cities in different countries. I also think they are funny. I would use this as a book for making inferences
February 12, 2014
Dodsworth and his duck travel via scooter through The Eternal City, passing the Coliseum, stopping near Trevi Fountain for gelato, and napping on the Spanish Steps. The highlight of the story was Duck's attempt to improve upon Michaelangelo's ceiling at the Sistine Chapel.
June 25, 2014
"'I think I'll bring my suitcase," said Dodsworth, "I feel better having it with me."
They walked to Saint Peter's Square. There were huge columns all around.
"I feel smaller than usual, said the duck."
They walked to Saint Peter's Square. There were huge columns all around.
"I feel smaller than usual, said the duck."
January 13, 2012
Following Dodsworth and the duck around Rome was quite funny. This is one I will recommend.
June 4, 2011
Brilliant. Great intros to world cities, vocab, and a funny story to boot!
June 17, 2011
Traveling with a duck is always full of surprises!
March 31, 2012
Dodsworth and his friend, Duck, are back again. This time, the traveling companions visit Rome for more hilarious adventures.
February 28, 2012
Charming! Fun duo and funky personalities that this book makes special than other traveling books.
March 17, 2012
The intrepid Dodsworth and the wacky duck have made it to Rome....
From Elf: "I like that the duck is funny. My favorite part was when the duck was asleep and Dodsworth says, 'Look!'"
From Elf: "I like that the duck is funny. My favorite part was when the duck was asleep and Dodsworth says, 'Look!'"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews