The Ginghams: The Backward Picnic

by Joan Chase Bowden

Sarah wants to have a picnic with her best friend Dan. She prepares the food and takes her dog, Barney, and her two dolls to Dan's house. But Dan has too many chores to go on a picnic. Sarah tries to have a picnic without Dan, but it isn't the same. She comes up with an idea so they ALL can go on a picnic.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

23 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly, adorably cute! Charming vintage illustrations, a sweet story of friendship and patience. I would love to get the other Gingham book, too. The Backward Picnic made my heart happy!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo adorable! A very sweet story about a little girl who is all ready to go on a picnic with her friend--but it turns out he has to do chores at his family farm instead. The girl carries on to her picnic site, but things just don't feel right without her friend....

I got this book for the illustrations, but the story was surprisingly sweet and well-told. I liked the message, and the little dog is just so cute and I loved his little "comments" (well-placed barks) in the story.

You can see some of the illustrations here: http://home.xnet.com/~countzi/bookinf...

[Gingaeru · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished reading "Doctor Dan the Bandage Man," which featured the titular Dan tying a wagon to a dog to give his sister's doll a ride... and now this Sarah girl is putting a literal dogcart on her dog to give two dolls a ride... on the way to meet a boy named Dan... As if that wasn't enough, we have yet another little golden book suggesting it's okay to give your dog a piece of chocolate cake! Remember, kids, chocolate is toxic to dogs. No more books for me today, thanks.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just plain adorable. The image of a happy, curly haired girl next to her cart of dolls, being pulled by a cute little puppy. It's just cute and adorable. The story also is cute, with the girl learning that if she helps her friend with chores, they can enjoy a picnic together. Simple, sweet story.

[jyweniverel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book growing up so much I lost the front cover. Recently I bought a good copy on amazon. That copy is going to be used very gently. I love the little dog and the whole fun of the day the two kids have.