Red and Rover: A Boy, A Dog, A Time, A Feeling

by Brian Basset

First there was Bogey and Bacall, then Butch and Sundance. Now Red and Rover have taken center stage as the most captivating twosome around. Ten-year-old Red and his faithful canine companion, Rover, forged their fellowship in a gentler time, when friends were forever and loyalty was unquestioned. Red and Rover have an endearing partnership that brings them-and the strip's lucky readers-a measure of pure delight.Created by Brian Basset (whose Adam@Home strip has been syndicated since 1984,) Red and Rover appeals to countless fans who appreciate its focus on friendship. Red's 17-year-old brother, Martin, plays the foil, while Red's parents, Carol and Charlie, attempt to keep everything running smoothly. It's an ideal cast of characters.This first Red and Rover book wraps up this extraordinary friendship between boy and dog in an ideal package for everyone who appreciates the sweetness of a simpler time.

Genres: Comics, Comic Strips, Humor, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Cartoon

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Brian Basset is an American comic strip artist (Red and Rover). Previously, he worked as an editorial cartoonist for The Seattle Times from 1978 to 1994, as well as being the creator and artist behind the syndicated comic strip Adam, later changed to Adam@home (1984–2009).

Reviews

[Reading Fury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun and just an all around feel good book. A stray dog comes running out of nowhere to save a little boy reading his comic book from being run over by a truck, And so Rover is dubbed Red's guardian angel dog and gets a forever home. This is such a beautiful, joyous book. It doesn't assume that childhood was simpler back in the 70s. After all, there are still grouchy older brothers, homework and tests, and two annoying twins trying to horn in on the wading pool. But Red and Rover can get in a cardboard box and fly to the moon or play fetch or any number of things. Best of all they can just sit and be happy with each other. This cartoon strip is really about unselfish and unconditional love.

[Melissa Ganka-Collins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe the corny title should have tipped me off but there is literally nothing entertaining about this comic. No funny anecdotes, flat dialogue. Just putting a dog and a boy together does not make an interesting comic. It's almost like it was trying to be Peanuts or Calvin and Hobbs but completely missed the mark. I might try getting some of my student-reader opinions but at this point I'm sorry I wasted the $3.00 on buying this used comic for my school library.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick fun read of an adorable dog and his little boy owner. The two communicate by Red (the boy) speaking and Rover (the dog) thinking. The love between the two in some of the panels is very touching. FUN!

[Hákon Gunnarsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy called Red brings home a dog called Rover after the dog saved his life. This is the beginning of an interesting friendship. Often quite funny comic about the relationship between dog and his family.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet collection of comic strips about a boy and his dog. Very simple and heartwarming. A very nice change of pace.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually when I look for used books, I am primarily focused on children's picture books with occasional forays into sports books (cycling or ice hockey titles for Tom)and craft books (for myself.) The other day I saw this one and I have long been a fan of Brian Bassetsince I continue to read a daily newspaper which runs the Red and Rover comic strip. It may be hard for folks to understand why I like this strip so much even though I am not a dog person. (My family had a dog for a short time when I was in my early teen years and I later married a man who was a dog owner but that didn't last long.)

Red and Rover is similar to Peanuts because on the surface it appears to be simply drawn but when you get into it further, you see that there are some amazing truths about life, love and friendship in these panels.

[M6 Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this comic book! Officially my fav individual book but I like the Garfield and Clavin and Hobbes series the most.

[zoagli · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet strip about friendship, family and love.