Woodstock might be the smallest of all the Peanuts gang, but he’s got a lot to say, even if Snoopy is the only one who understands him. That’s because Snoopy is Woodstock’s “Friend of Friends,” and together they write masterpieces, fly airplanes, find the perfect place to nap, and win over the hearts of readers all over the world. Whether he’s falling in love with a snowflake or crash-landing on the tip of Snoopy’s nose, Woodstock is the little yellow bird with a big personality. It takes more than a strong wind to ruffle Woodstock’s feathers, although it’s a good thing he has Snoopy to keep his little yellow feet on the ground. Don’t miss out on the newest AMP! Peanuts collection featuring Woodstock, the most recognizable yellow bird in the world—even in disguise!
Charles Monroe Schulz was an American cartoonist, whose comic strip Peanuts proved one of the most popular and influential in the history of the medium, and is still widely reprinted on a daily basis. Schulz's first regular cartoons, Li'l Folks, were published from 1947 to 1950 by the St. Paul Pioneer Press; he first used the name Charlie Brown for a character there, although he applied the name in four gags to three different boys and one buried in sand. The series also had a dog that looked much like Snoopy. In 1948, Schulz sold a cartoon to The Saturday Evening Post; the first of 17 single-panel cartoons by Schulz that would be published there. In 1948, Schulz tried to have Li'l Folks syndicated through the Newspaper Enterprise Association. Schulz would have been an independent contractor for the syndicate, unheard of in the 1940s, but the deal fell through. Li'l Folks was dropped from the Pioneer Press in January, 1950. Later that year, Schulz approached the United Feature Syndicate with his best strips from Li'l Folks, and Peanuts made its first appearance on October 2, 1950. The strip became one of the most popular comic strips of all time. He also had a short-lived sports-oriented comic strip called It's Only a Game (1957–1959), but he abandoned it due to the demands of the successful Peanuts. From 1956 to 1965 he contributed a single-panel strip ("Young Pillars") featuring teenagers to Youth, a publication associated with the Church of God. Peanuts ran for nearly 50 years, almost without interruption; during the life of the strip, Schulz took only one vacation, a five-week break in late 1997. At its peak, Peanuts appeared in more than 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries. Schulz stated that his routine every morning consisted of eating a jelly donut and sitting down to write the day's strip. After coming up with an idea (which he said could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours), he began drawing it, which took about an hour for dailies and three hours for Sunday strips. He stubbornly refused to hire an inker or letterer, saying that "it would be equivalent to a golfer hiring a man to make his putts for him." In November 1999 Schulz suffered a stroke, and later it was discovered that he had colon cancer that had metastasized. Because of the chemotherapy and the fact he could not read or see clearly, he announced his retirement on December 14, 1999. Schulz often touched on religious themes in his work, including the classic television cartoon, A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), which features the character Linus van Pelt quoting the King James Version of the Bible Luke 2:8-14 to explain "what Christmas is all about." In personal interviews Schulz mentioned that Linus represented his spiritual side. Schulz, reared in the Lutheran faith, had been active in the Church of God as a young adult and then later taught Sunday school at a United Methodist Church. In the 1960s, Robert L. Short interpreted certain themes and conversations in Peanuts as being consistent with parts of Christian theology, and used them as illustrations during his lectures about the gospel, as he explained in his bestselling paperback book, The Gospel According to Peanuts, the first of several books he wrote on religion and Peanuts, and other popular culture items. From the late 1980s, however, Schulz described himself in interviews as a "secular humanist": “I do not go to church anymore... I guess you might say I've come around to secular humanism, an obligation I believe all humans have to others and the world we live in.”
I love Charlie Brown and the whole gang. So I was super excited to get a copy of this book when Netgalley put it up. I don't know if it's my memory of the newspaper comics and those wonderful holiday shows, but this book was just an okay read. It seemed like someone else wrote it. I didn't feel that fabulous Charles Schulz touch to it at all. I still love you though, Snoopy and Woodstock:
I've always enjoyed Charles Schultz' animated films. I'd never really read the comics before. I got it thinking my 7 year old would enjoy them. He was quickly bored, and I took over. The comics are wordy, not really funny, and a had lot of frustrated characters. I skimmed the rest, looking for some gems, and just never found anything that even made me grin. While the comics don't seem to be for me, I still have fond memories of the movies.
Thank you Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Consisting of a lot of different short comics featuring Snoopy but mostly Woodstock (and some others of the Peanuts gang) this was a nice surprise for me. I'd never read any Peanuts comics before and I liked them. They were not extremely funny or something, and the name is a bit weird because more often Woodstock isn't wearing any kind of disguise.
What also helped were some nostalgic feeling to the series I used to watch, and Peanuts in general. I was pleasantly surprised and also got a copy of Snoopy: Master of Disguise, which I hope to read some time soon.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations themselves were cute, but I barely cracked a smile. I missed the sweet, warm feeling that I usually feel whenever I see a film about Snoopy and the whole gang.
This is okay to pass the time with, but it lacks magic.
'Woodstock: Master of Disguise' is a great reprint of strips from Charles Schulz featuring Woodstock. They've been rendered in color, but that just makes them more fun to read.
I've always liked the character of Woodstock. The title of the book is a little misleading since he doesn't always wear a disguise. Except when he's invited to Thanksgiving dinner. Or when he wants to be in Snoopy's beagle scout troop. He also has a bad habit of flying upside down, and into things like trees. He can get lost in snow pretty easy too, since he's so small. He doesn't say much I can understand, but he sure likes to talk a lot.
It's great to see these in reprint, and I think the humor holds up. It's definitely a kinder, gentler, subtler humor from another era. That may or may not play for younger audiences, but as a beloved part of my youth, Peanuts can always make me smile.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this fun ebook.
I'm pretty sure there's a word used to describe a review for a Charles Schulz book. That word is: useless. I mean it's Charles Schulz! One would think a review was unnecessary.
You can never just walk past Peanuts! They're a part of life. (Unless they're not. Than where have you been you're entire life?) I mean the characters are being used to sell insurance!
Especially Snoopy and Woodstock. This collection is the cutest thing ever. I love seeing everything those two can get into.
Perfect for any Peanuts fan. That, of course, is from one Peanuts fan to another.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although I've known of Snoopy and Woodstock since I was little, and have always thought they looked like cute characters, this was my first time reading a Peanuts comic book and my first time seeing the characters' personality. I was disappointed to find the whole vibe of the comics to be generally pretty grumpy and the result was not the chuckle-inducing experience I had anticipated. Not to my taste I'm afraid.
A peanuts collection book 4 with the well-loved Snoopy and his friends’ distinctive characters. This book focuses on the tiny yellow enthusiastic bird to prove itself and only confide to its trusted friend, Snoopy.
In summary, Woodstock is a good friend of Snoopy who stood with Snoopy throughout their whole life. Though the beagle dog is happy for its own friend to come out of its own. Snoopy feels lonely when left for quite some time. It ends with Woodstock returning to Snoopy side most of the time.
It also depicts the simple yet intrinsic real-life relationships between friends, families and couples. But it also depicts silent people’s listening and observation skills. Life is full of unpredictable events and situations. When will be able to be at peace with one another despite our differences?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I found this book while browsing for children’s picture books in the library.
There is something just so beautiful about the bond between Snoopy, a Beagle, and Woodstock, a little tiny bird. This book showed me just how much trouble the two can get in and how much love they have for one another. I believe the world would be a better place if we could just simply love and get along with one another like Snoopy and Woodstock. At times they get on each other's nerves, but they always seem to care for and love one another. Overall, this was a fun read. I enjoyed seeing the antics these two get into. But most importantly, I loved seeing their friendship and love for one another.
Reflections and lessons learned: “Lucy: ‘I've been down at the library all morning. I’ve been doing a little research. There’s not one case in all medical history where a dragonfly sewed up someone’s lips so he couldn’t eat, and he starved to death!’ Snoopy ‘I wonder why they’d cover up something like that…’”
Hehe - the simplicity of a tiny yellow bird, “talking” in simple pen strokes which still enables the narrative to continue… love him and Snoopy together…!
Snoopy and Woodstock are super cute!!! I always found it amazing how Snoopy understood Woodstock's chirping and Woodstock understood Snoopy's thinking. Even though Woodstock is small, he has a lot to say and Snoopy is the only one who can understand him.
There were some strips in this book that went over my head, hence the four star rating.
An authentic Schulz collection of Woodstock comics. These. were mostly the daily papers. They did good job coloring them, but it's somewhat inconsistent. A kid most likely not notice. Woodstock is one of my favorite Peanuts characters, so it was good having a collection featuring him.
Peanuts fans will really enjoy Snoopy and Woodstock mixing it up. Really enjoyed going down memory lane with these two’s antics in full eye-catching color.
My copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a trimmed down version of my review, to view the full review visit The Book Ramble.
This book was provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a collection of Peanuts comics starring, or featuring, Woodstock, Snoopy's adorable bird companion. I thought it was an absolutely charming collection of comics, and adored that it featured Snoopy and Woodstock as the prominent characters as they have always been my favourites. I have a few complaints about formatting/order in the book but otherwise I was entertained and charmed by the collection.
The book combines 4 panel and 6 panel comics that follow the adventures of Snoopy and Woodstock over the years. Some of the recurring storylines are hiking trips, Woodstock going to school, Woodstock bothering Schroeder, and Snoopy and Woodstock napping together. This book is a delight to read because the stories are absolutely adorable. It was so entertaining to read about Snoopy and Woodstock, especially as they have wonderful chemistry even with Woodstock unable to speak in any way you might understand. I loved reading this, it was quick to read and very fun.
I think my one and only complaint about this book is probably the ordering of the comics. I'm not exactly sure, I think it goes in order of their original publication. This works and totally makes sense for the most part. What does wind up happening though is that you'll have a bunch of football strips, and then one unrelated one, and then suddenly more football strips. It might have made the book flow better to put these all together - especially because this would create a sort of continuity to the different lines of the book.
Overall this was a delight to read. This is the perfect book for fans of Peanuts and I would highly recommend gifting it to anyone you know who loves Peanuts or even just Snoopy fans.
As the title itself implies, ‘Woodstock: Master of Disguise’ revolves around the little bird Woodstock who’s Snoopy’s best friend. This collection features how they spend time together - whether they’re lazing around or embarking on an adventure or simply having conversations.
Snoopy is my favourite ‘Peanuts’ character hence I really enjoyed the content in which Snoopy constantly resumes his trademark pose (lying down on top of his red doghouse), plays games with Woodstock and gets up to mischief. Their friendship was truly convincing and I liked how they had so much fun with each other and even when they were temporarily apart, they still kept in touch. Besides that, there’s some humour throughout the strips as well as philosophical musings and the general feeling of warmth and camaraderie.
The drawings were delightfully adorable and I liked seeing Snoopy’s different expressions. However, one thing that I couldn’t quite ignore was some obvious repetition. For instance, Woodstock’s lack of flying skill and his habit of flying upside down were amusing the first few times but as they were frequently repeated, they lost whatever charm they had. Besides that, some storylines were promising (such as Snoopy being tied up by a little girl keen on keeping him as a pet) but much to my disappointment, they were concluded too soon.
Overall though, ‘Woodstock: Master of Disguise’ was highly enjoyable (because of Snoopy, in my case) and it’s certainly ideal when you’re looking for a light-hearted, fun read or just want to unwind.
Like the title says, Charles M. Schultz is still a supreme genius to me. I have always loved the Peanuts gang. Most of all, Snoopy and Woodstock.
In this comic for kids, Woodstock and Snoopy are at it again. They are just too funny together. We love to watch them e frienemies - since that is where we love to find them. They are either getting along and are wonderful friends, or they are giving each other crap to keep them humble.
In Woodstock: Master of Disguise I love the quirky Snoopy and how he speaks for both himself, and Woodstock. We never actually hear the bird speak, but through Snoopy and his responses - well, I have a clue. Don't you love them?
It is like best friends who cannot help themselves. They feel more like family and they get away with more too. In one piece of the comic, Woodstock puts on Snoopy's cologne. Odd yes, but makes for a funny piece. The whole Peanuts gang is present - and makes for a lot of fun!
I am absolutely grateful that I can still read about the peanuts gang and this is a wonderful novel that will be found when it comes out on April 28, 2015 in most eBook forms as well as print. I think it would be a great gift!
***This ARC copy was received FREE from Netgalley.com for reviewing purposes. My humble and honest opinion was not a reflection of Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
There are no more new strips but the continued repackaging of Peanuts in different forms keeps it fresh enough for established fans and new readers. This is aimed at the YA crowd but younger and older will still smile, chuckle or laugh outright. I did all three as I went through it.
This volume centers on Woodstock and his adventures with Snoopy. The companions stay true to each other and their friendship through rain, snow, the occasional tangling with a cat and handling rejection letters as Snoopy writes his novel.
My request or my hope is to find a book that is totally devoted to Snoopy as the author. Over the years, I've loved those strips. Anyone listening who'd like to help me out?
Until then, I'll devour and delight in each anthology I come across.
I have enjoyed reading the daily Peanuts comic strip every day since I was little, and even though Snoopy is super loveable, my heart has always belonged to Woodstock! I have stuffed animals, small toys, clothing and even a tattoo of Woodstock so I was super excited to be able to check this book out. I love Schulz, and am so glad that he shared himself with us through his comics. I have pre-ordered several copies of this book (one for me and others for Christmas presents) - I can't wait to get the actual book in my hands!
Note: I received an advanced reading copy of this book through NetGalley
Woodstock was always one of my favorite Peanuts characters - he never failed to crack me up! But, apparently, he's better in small doses. This volume collects a large number of Peanuts strips that featured Woodstock and, of course, Snoopy too! However, that means that oftentimes it is clear that a strip had been in the middle of a story line, while here we only see a snippet. Also, it became apparent that many jokes were oft repeated - which was probably left unnoticed when they are loads of other strips in between, but here they are side-by-side and made obvious.
On the other hand, it was still classic Woodstock and Snoopy, so what's not to love??
I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have always been a fan of Snoopy and have lots of the books from my childhood, so this felt a little like a blast from the past. I was glad to see the writing and drawing were as good as I remember. I was a little disappointed with the stories though, they fell a little flat with the lack of characters, the usuals popped in, but not often. I also felt some of the storylines could have been taken farther rather being dropped where they were.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Well what's not to like about Schulz's cartoons? As a lifelong fan of Peanuts it was a pleasure to be able to read this comic book. Woodstock (and Snoopy) are fun little characters and bring a smile and giggle to any reader. And there are plenty of comic strips in this book to entertain and delight. In full colour, I can see it appealing to people of all ages, and the added extras for activities will certain appeal to newer, younger readers of the Peanuts gang.