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The Pink Refrigerator
“Try to do as little as possible.” This was Dodsworth’s motto. One morning, on his daily trip to the junkyard, he discovers a pink refrigerator.
There’s not much to say about a pink refrigerator, except this one had a note on it. The note said, “Paint pictures.” And so Dodsworth did.
The next day, a new note appeared on the pink refrigerator. And the day after that, and the day after that.
Dodsworth liked doing as little as possible. But the pink refrigerator had big plans for him . . .
There’s not much to say about a pink refrigerator, except this one had a note on it. The note said, “Paint pictures.” And so Dodsworth did.
The next day, a new note appeared on the pink refrigerator. And the day after that, and the day after that.
Dodsworth liked doing as little as possible. But the pink refrigerator had big plans for him . . .
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 15, 2022
Inspirational, but in a quirky, funny way that makes it much more effective, imo. I want my own copy, so that when I'm feeling down and used-up, I can be reminded to Keep Exploring.
4.5 stars rounded up because the world would be a better place if more ppl took this lesson to heart.
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Reread. Coincidentally, just one year later. But good, as February, whilst waiting for spring, is a good time to read this.
I need to take heart in that Dodsworth didn't immediately succeed in everything he tried. I do wish that idea had been more clear in the book, because I don't like to fail and therefore am not as adventurous as I would like to be. And I think other readers who may benefit from this book may be like that, too.
Again, though, it's not a self-help, or even inspirational book, per se. It's fun, cute, provocative.
4.5 stars rounded up because the world would be a better place if more ppl took this lesson to heart.
---
Reread. Coincidentally, just one year later. But good, as February, whilst waiting for spring, is a good time to read this.
I need to take heart in that Dodsworth didn't immediately succeed in everything he tried. I do wish that idea had been more clear in the book, because I don't like to fail and therefore am not as adventurous as I would like to be. And I think other readers who may benefit from this book may be like that, too.
Again, though, it's not a self-help, or even inspirational book, per se. It's fun, cute, provocative.
December 8, 2020
Dodsworth leads a pretty unadventurous life until one day he discovers a pink refrigerator that inspires him to put more effort into his daily existence. Before long, he's discovering all sorts of activities that can lead to a more fulfilling life. A fun story with likable illustrations by the author.
January 1, 2016
Tim Egan's The Pink Refrigerator is a profound statement wrapped in a quirky and kid-friendly picture book. I've read it three times already, and I'm not even close to being tired of it. Dodsworth the mouse is in a bit of a rut. Every morning he visits the junkyard, where he scrounges for items to sell in his thrift shop. He makes a living from his thrift shop, but it doesn't keep him very busy, and he spends most of his time sitting around watching TV.
One day Dodsworth notices an old pink refrigerator in the junkyard. The refrigerator has a note on it that says "Make pictures". Opening up the fridge, he finds "a beautiful assortment of paints and brushes and a little red sketchbook." Initially, he takes the items so that he can sell them, but something in the note compels him to try them out instead. Dodsworth paints his first picture. "It was of the ocean, and even though he'd never actually seen an ocean in real life, it turned out pretty good."
Visiting the junkyard over the next several days, Dodsworth finds each day a different note on the refrigerator and a different set of items inside. He learns that there are other interesting ways to spend time besides watching television (like reading, cooking, gardening, etc.). By the end of the book, Dodsworth is a changed mouse, with a much broader perspective.
The message of The Pink Refrigerator is clear. Life is more interesting if you get out of your own rut and try new things. What saves the message from being heavy-handed is Dodsworth's demeanor, ranging from suspicious to enthusiastic to disappointed (when the refrigerator stops suggesting new projects). In the end, he slowly figures out the refrigerator's message for himself, and decides to take action on his own terms. The decision doesn't feel forced upon him, and won't feel forced upon the reader, either.
The illustrations are ink and watercolor, and feature many cozy background details to please the reader. I was a bit disturbed to see books on the ground at the junkyard, but I loved Dodsworth's cluttered, multi-room thrift shop and the portrayal of a junkyard as a place filled with treasure waiting to be found. I also liked the font, finding it easy to read, but just a little bit ornate. I thought that it matched the thrift shop atmosphere. The muted colors also seemed fitting for a book set in a thrift shop and a junkyard.
The Pink Refrigerator made me want to step outside of my own ruts, and try something new. I usually give away picture books to friends after I've reviewed them. But this one I can't bear to part with. It's a keeper. I think that the key for me, what makes me want to keep it, is Dodsworth's evolution from one who watches casually to one who marvels to one who takes action. And I like the illustrations, especially the pink refrigerator itself. Recommended for children and adults.
One day Dodsworth notices an old pink refrigerator in the junkyard. The refrigerator has a note on it that says "Make pictures". Opening up the fridge, he finds "a beautiful assortment of paints and brushes and a little red sketchbook." Initially, he takes the items so that he can sell them, but something in the note compels him to try them out instead. Dodsworth paints his first picture. "It was of the ocean, and even though he'd never actually seen an ocean in real life, it turned out pretty good."
Visiting the junkyard over the next several days, Dodsworth finds each day a different note on the refrigerator and a different set of items inside. He learns that there are other interesting ways to spend time besides watching television (like reading, cooking, gardening, etc.). By the end of the book, Dodsworth is a changed mouse, with a much broader perspective.
The message of The Pink Refrigerator is clear. Life is more interesting if you get out of your own rut and try new things. What saves the message from being heavy-handed is Dodsworth's demeanor, ranging from suspicious to enthusiastic to disappointed (when the refrigerator stops suggesting new projects). In the end, he slowly figures out the refrigerator's message for himself, and decides to take action on his own terms. The decision doesn't feel forced upon him, and won't feel forced upon the reader, either.
The illustrations are ink and watercolor, and feature many cozy background details to please the reader. I was a bit disturbed to see books on the ground at the junkyard, but I loved Dodsworth's cluttered, multi-room thrift shop and the portrayal of a junkyard as a place filled with treasure waiting to be found. I also liked the font, finding it easy to read, but just a little bit ornate. I thought that it matched the thrift shop atmosphere. The muted colors also seemed fitting for a book set in a thrift shop and a junkyard.
The Pink Refrigerator made me want to step outside of my own ruts, and try something new. I usually give away picture books to friends after I've reviewed them. But this one I can't bear to part with. It's a keeper. I think that the key for me, what makes me want to keep it, is Dodsworth's evolution from one who watches casually to one who marvels to one who takes action. And I like the illustrations, especially the pink refrigerator itself. Recommended for children and adults.
February 16, 2011
This quirky picture book reminded me just slightly (in a positive way) of one of my favorite books, The Phantom Tollbooth. It’s a very unusual book too.
A man living a sedentary and hum drum life gets some inspiration from a pink refrigerator. I’d have enjoyed this as a child too, but this is one of those picture books that might be an appropriate gift for an adult about to begin a new endeavor. I think one reason I enjoyed it so much is that all the new activities the man engages in are ones I found appealing and also that I found the man likeable, even when he wasn’t living as fully as would be ideal.
The illustrations fit the book very well so I enjoyed them, even though the style is such I might not have been a fan of them without the context of the story.
I enjoyed this enough that I will definitely seek out other books by this author-illustrator. In the inside back cover of this (2007) book, 4 of his other books are mentioned.
This might be a good book, along with Patricia Polacco's Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair, for kids who are too glued to their television (or video screen) sets.
A man living a sedentary and hum drum life gets some inspiration from a pink refrigerator. I’d have enjoyed this as a child too, but this is one of those picture books that might be an appropriate gift for an adult about to begin a new endeavor. I think one reason I enjoyed it so much is that all the new activities the man engages in are ones I found appealing and also that I found the man likeable, even when he wasn’t living as fully as would be ideal.
The illustrations fit the book very well so I enjoyed them, even though the style is such I might not have been a fan of them without the context of the story.
I enjoyed this enough that I will definitely seek out other books by this author-illustrator. In the inside back cover of this (2007) book, 4 of his other books are mentioned.
This might be a good book, along with Patricia Polacco's Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair, for kids who are too glued to their television (or video screen) sets.
January 26, 2011
A mysterious pink refrigerator comes with magical and sage advice for turning one fellow's easy, do-nothing life into one filled with interest and purpose. The story could have been far too didactic and even a little bit odd. But, I didn't think it was! I thought it was wonderful. Very inspiring and fun :-) The illustrations have a bit of an '80s feel to them that I really loved, too.
December 14, 2010
The pink refrigerator at the dump has mysterious messages and contains supplies to help Dodsworth break out of his uninteresting, do-nothing life. This was actually very imaginative and inspirational. My son and I both loved it and I highly recommend it!
March 10, 2017
I LOVED this book. This is a great, magical story with a great lesson. I am sadly bringing it back to the library today, but I'll definitely take it out again.
March 21, 2008
This touching and inspiring book is a wonderful story (for adults too!). Thrift-store-owner Dodsworth has a quiet, uneventful life until he finds a miraculous refrigerator in the junkyard; following the inctructions it magically gives him, he discovers an amazing world beyond what he ever imagnied. Dodsworth's story of ever-growing fascination is sweet, poignant, and inspirational; for any kid who's said they're bored or don't have anything to do, and for every adult who may have lost sight of their dreams. I can't recommend this book enough!
Good for children ages 3-8, and anyone who needs a boost!
Good for children ages 3-8, and anyone who needs a boost!
October 29, 2008
I really love this book, but it is a picture book for adults more than for children. The idea of turning off the tv and doing other things may be directed toward children, but the concept of having settled into a boring life and needing magical intervention to return to the things that brought you joy is really an adult concept.
The gentle illustrations speak to the simple routine of the main character's life. This is not a "Eureka!" story, but more of a "hmmm..." story. Most adults should read it.
The gentle illustrations speak to the simple routine of the main character's life. This is not a "Eureka!" story, but more of a "hmmm..." story. Most adults should read it.
May 9, 2020
Read at pink and purple preschool story time at the Tenley library on 8/30/13: https://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com...
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September 10, 2019"The Pink Refrigerator" by Tim Egan is an adorable book that follows the simple life of a mouse named Dodsworth. The book tells about Dodsworth's routine and how it is kinda boring. He never changes it up and he only watches TV, goes to the junkyard to get things for his thrift store, and then goes to sleep. He does this on repeat until one day at the junk yard he finds a pink refrigerator that has a mysterious note on it. Inside the fridge is some painting supplies. Each day he goes back to the pink fridge and finds another note with different things to do inside. He learns through the fridge how to change his life and make it more interesting and that there's more to life than doing "as little as possible".
I think this book is genius and absolutely adorable. Then animations for one are so homie and creative. They spark interest, because there are so many details drawn in, but at the same time it is simple, because the color schemes used in the book are beautiful. The story of the book is so heart warming, because it's not every day that you read a book and it sparks a fire in you. This books shows how Dodsworth picked up new hobbies and escalated his quality of life, and it makes me want to do so as well!!
As I said in the paragraph above I think this book is inspiring, and you could teach students to reach outside their comfort zone and try new things with this book. I also think the mystery of this book could be a huge discussion point that can really make students think. Where did the refrigerator come from? Who left the notes? Was someone SPYING on Dodsworth? and just being able to discuss these things could open many opportunities of discussion in the class.
I think this book is genius and absolutely adorable. Then animations for one are so homie and creative. They spark interest, because there are so many details drawn in, but at the same time it is simple, because the color schemes used in the book are beautiful. The story of the book is so heart warming, because it's not every day that you read a book and it sparks a fire in you. This books shows how Dodsworth picked up new hobbies and escalated his quality of life, and it makes me want to do so as well!!
As I said in the paragraph above I think this book is inspiring, and you could teach students to reach outside their comfort zone and try new things with this book. I also think the mystery of this book could be a huge discussion point that can really make students think. Where did the refrigerator come from? Who left the notes? Was someone SPYING on Dodsworth? and just being able to discuss these things could open many opportunities of discussion in the class.
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October 20, 2022This book includes a few sentences per page with illustrations on each page. This book takes about 5 minutes to read.
Summary: This story follows a little rat named Dodsworth who owns a thrift store. Dodsworth doesn’t do much. He mainly sits around and watches TV all day, besides when he is at the junkyard looking for things to sell in his shop. One day, he rides his bike to the junkyard and finds a pink refrigerator. The refrigerator has a shiny magnet on it with a piece of paper saying “Make Pictures”. Dodsworth opens the refrigerator to find paints, brushes, and a little red sketchbook. He originally plans to sell these in his shop, but then decides to keep them for himself. He paints a picture of the ocean and realizes he found a new hobby. For multiple days, Dodsworth goes back to the refrigerator to find a new note posted with new things inside. He picks up the hobby of reading, playing the trumpet, cooking, and gardening. On the 6th day, he returns to the junkyard to find a note that says “Keep Exploring”, but nothing inside the refrigerator this time. He then decides to go to the ocean as he has never seen one before.
What I enjoyed about this book was how Dodsworth's life is seemingly boring, but then is changed when he is introduced to all these new things to try. This book would be good for students in the classroom because they may feel the same way Dodsworth did at the beginning. This can show them that picking up new hobbies can bring fulfillment and fun to their lives.
Summary: This story follows a little rat named Dodsworth who owns a thrift store. Dodsworth doesn’t do much. He mainly sits around and watches TV all day, besides when he is at the junkyard looking for things to sell in his shop. One day, he rides his bike to the junkyard and finds a pink refrigerator. The refrigerator has a shiny magnet on it with a piece of paper saying “Make Pictures”. Dodsworth opens the refrigerator to find paints, brushes, and a little red sketchbook. He originally plans to sell these in his shop, but then decides to keep them for himself. He paints a picture of the ocean and realizes he found a new hobby. For multiple days, Dodsworth goes back to the refrigerator to find a new note posted with new things inside. He picks up the hobby of reading, playing the trumpet, cooking, and gardening. On the 6th day, he returns to the junkyard to find a note that says “Keep Exploring”, but nothing inside the refrigerator this time. He then decides to go to the ocean as he has never seen one before.
What I enjoyed about this book was how Dodsworth's life is seemingly boring, but then is changed when he is introduced to all these new things to try. This book would be good for students in the classroom because they may feel the same way Dodsworth did at the beginning. This can show them that picking up new hobbies can bring fulfillment and fun to their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
Right from the first lines, Tim Egan establishes what the problem will be, which problem will generate this story line.
At once, I appreciate how cleverly this problem is presented: honestly stated, in practical terms, and without judgment. I wish all children could learn to view problems this way, when possible. Heck, this 70-something reader wishes that she could always view problems this way.
As the story unfolds, I'm enjoying it immensely-- and I feel sure that most kids would find it delightful as well. A gentle sense of humor is unfolding along with every twist in this tale: all the better!
(Of course, right from the first word, readers learn that the main character is named "Dodsworth." So you can tell there is going to be humor, for sure. No spoiler from me, but this guy doesn't look to me like a "Dodsworth" -- how about you other Goodreaders?)
THE FAIRY TALE QUALITY DEVELOPS
Even though there was no "Once upon a time" clue at the start, soon this book provides a nonstandard, wildly unpredictable, fantasy. All the better, far as I'm concerned.
It's delightful to encounter Dodsworth's adventure with "the most amazing refrigerator in history.
AS FOR THE ENDING? PERFECT
Just perfect. I loved-loved-love this story.
Thank you, author and illustrator Tim Egan.
At once, I appreciate how cleverly this problem is presented: honestly stated, in practical terms, and without judgment. I wish all children could learn to view problems this way, when possible. Heck, this 70-something reader wishes that she could always view problems this way.
As the story unfolds, I'm enjoying it immensely-- and I feel sure that most kids would find it delightful as well. A gentle sense of humor is unfolding along with every twist in this tale: all the better!
(Of course, right from the first word, readers learn that the main character is named "Dodsworth." So you can tell there is going to be humor, for sure. No spoiler from me, but this guy doesn't look to me like a "Dodsworth" -- how about you other Goodreaders?)
THE FAIRY TALE QUALITY DEVELOPS
Even though there was no "Once upon a time" clue at the start, soon this book provides a nonstandard, wildly unpredictable, fantasy. All the better, far as I'm concerned.
It's delightful to encounter Dodsworth's adventure with "the most amazing refrigerator in history.
AS FOR THE ENDING? PERFECT
Just perfect. I loved-loved-love this story.
Thank you, author and illustrator Tim Egan.
April 16, 2018
Dodsworth lives a very plain and simple life. He runs a thrift store and his daily trip to the junkyard keeps his shelves at the thrift store stocked. One day, at the junkyard, he passes a refrigerator with a note that says make pictures. When he opens the door of the refrigerator he finds a sketch book, paints, and paintbrushes. He decides to sell them at the thrift store. When a lady comes in to ask about the price of the sketchbook, he decides he wants to try to paint an ocean scene. It turns out very well. The next day the refrigerator note said "read more". When he opens the door he discovers many classics of literature. He decided not to sell them but to read them instead. Another day at the junkyard brings a note that says play music and again Dodsworth takes the advice of the refrigerator note and spends the day practicing the trumpet that was inside the magic refrigerator. Day after day, Dodsworth picks up new hobbies such as gardening and cooking. One day he receives a vague message from the refrigerator note that says "explore more". He doesn't know what to do with that advice, but later while watching a TV show he decides he is going to find the ocean.
May 15, 2018
"Dodsworth loved to do nothing. Now, this isn't to say that he never did anything, because he did. But his motto was basically "Try to do as little as possible." Now this mouse could be my doppleganger!
This was such a cute book, all about a lazy-ish little mouse who watched more television than he should. Until one day when he is inspired to try something new, like painting, and reading a book, and learning to play a musical instrument, and cooking, and gardening, and suddenly the world is a great big wonderful place full of curiosities!
Such a fun little book! And yes, it does make me want to go home and plant some new hydrangeas and fix up a veggie salad, and practice my ukulele and maybe read the 20 books piled up on my nightstand. And that's not to mention the new curtains I want to sew for the bedroom. Whew! Makes me tired all over again like I should just sit down and do as little as possible!
This was such a cute book, all about a lazy-ish little mouse who watched more television than he should. Until one day when he is inspired to try something new, like painting, and reading a book, and learning to play a musical instrument, and cooking, and gardening, and suddenly the world is a great big wonderful place full of curiosities!
Such a fun little book! And yes, it does make me want to go home and plant some new hydrangeas and fix up a veggie salad, and practice my ukulele and maybe read the 20 books piled up on my nightstand. And that's not to mention the new curtains I want to sew for the bedroom. Whew! Makes me tired all over again like I should just sit down and do as little as possible!
March 5, 2021
Dodsworth was a pretty lazy mouse until one day he came across a pink refrigerator. At first, he was drawn to the magnet but he saw the note that said: "make pictures". He did not know what that meant but inside the refrigerator was paint and brushes and a sketchbook. He found his passion to paint again. Each day he would come back to the fridge and it would have a different note on it. And the story continues until the fridge was no longer filled.
I have always loved this story, I think it can get a kid inspired to do something they have forgotten they loved. Or it can just be a fun little tale to tell the children. I love the illustrations throughout the book and add a nice touch to it.
An activity I would do in the classroom is hand out a paper with a pink refrigerator on it. I would have the students write down what they would fill the fridge with. This can be a reminder to them that we need to invest in ourselves.
I have always loved this story, I think it can get a kid inspired to do something they have forgotten they loved. Or it can just be a fun little tale to tell the children. I love the illustrations throughout the book and add a nice touch to it.
An activity I would do in the classroom is hand out a paper with a pink refrigerator on it. I would have the students write down what they would fill the fridge with. This can be a reminder to them that we need to invest in ourselves.
February 20, 2017
I enjoyed this story and the illustrations. I't about a character named Dodsworth.
He doesn't like to do much. He goes to the junkyard everyday to look for things and one day stumbles upon a pink refrigerator. A note on it says to draw more. Curious he opens it to find paint. everyday the note says something else and inside he finds something to try. but one day all the note says is explore more and finds nothing inside. mad he slams the door and the paper flies away. he is sad but he thinks about what the note says and keeps trying new things. This story can be used to inspire kids to try new things everyday just like Dodsworth.
He doesn't like to do much. He goes to the junkyard everyday to look for things and one day stumbles upon a pink refrigerator. A note on it says to draw more. Curious he opens it to find paint. everyday the note says something else and inside he finds something to try. but one day all the note says is explore more and finds nothing inside. mad he slams the door and the paper flies away. he is sad but he thinks about what the note says and keeps trying new things. This story can be used to inspire kids to try new things everyday just like Dodsworth.
June 26, 2024
Dodsworth's motto is to do as little as possible. He sells things he finds in a junkyard in his thrift shop, just enough to get by. Until one day he finds an old pink refrigerator with a note. The note invites him to paint first and inside he finds what he needs. Each day it has a new note with a new invitation that he follows. Each day, he tries something new. Then one day, there are no more notes.
What will he do?
This book, published in 2007, with illustrations that call to calmness, might surprised you. I found it an inspiring and surprising book. A good book will never loose it's value.
What will he do?
This book, published in 2007, with illustrations that call to calmness, might surprised you. I found it an inspiring and surprising book. A good book will never loose it's value.
December 5, 2017
The illustrations in this picture book are very retro looking, which fits because the time period is not modern, even though the book was written recently. The mouse continues to find wonderful things inside a magic pink refrigerator and uses them to improve himself rather than make money. This book shows how money is not equivalent to happiness, and that learning new things can be fun even if it is scary.
November 9, 2019
What a strange book. But interesting and gets you thinking about exploring and what it takes to get someone out of a rut. Interesting in that the book doesn't make it seem like Dodsworth was unhappy in his life before the refrigerator came along, but he was definitely open to having his world change once it did, which is not unlike where a lot of people are at. Definitely worth a read and a reflection.
December 31, 2025
I have owned this book for a while and can't quite get myself to give it away even though I don't love it. I think it's Dodsworth's personality, his motto being "Try to do as little as possible."
However, the message of the book... Make Pictures, Read More, Play Music, Learn to Cook, Plant a Garden, and Keep Exploring is really to recipe for enjoying life. I should heed this message.
However, the message of the book... Make Pictures, Read More, Play Music, Learn to Cook, Plant a Garden, and Keep Exploring is really to recipe for enjoying life. I should heed this message.
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October 12, 2020I checked this out of the library for curiosity. Stumbled across the title while looking for a 'pink' book for kids. Out of print. Considered buying a used copy until I found Egan's works, including this one, can run to $100. Enjoyed it.
December 2, 2022
This felt very empowering and whimsical at the same time. Instead of opening Pandora's box, you open a rusty pink refrigerator that holds daily treasures and challenges. Dunno how Dodsworth made ends meet but that's beside the point.
November 3, 2017
AMAZING book. Uplifting, inspiring...great illustration.
January 19, 2018
Wow. Great book about a pink refrigerator in a junkyard that offers more than meets the eye, and stretches the imagination of one person named Dodsworth.
April 3, 2018
Dodsworth the mole discovers who he is, thanks to some notes on a pink refrigerator in a junkyard. Delightful!
September 13, 2018
Such a wonderful book with an uplifting lesson! Love this one!!
May 3, 2019
Life is not pointless lots to do enjoy it
May 20, 2021
I am a sucker for books where things appear magically. Fun. Good read aloud for K-2?
April 12, 2022
As part of our homeschool studies my kids and I are studying The 16 Habits of Mind. This book tied in so so perfectly with the habit to never stop learning. 🥰 Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews