What do you think?
Rate this book
Hank Zipzer #16
Dump Trucks and Dogsleds: I'm on My Way, Mom!
When Hank first heard that his mom was having a baby boy, he wasn't so thrilled. And when he finds out that the baby will be sharing his room, Hank is positively outraged! To make things easier, Dad suggests he take Hank and Emily away for some bonding. But on the first day of their trip, a freak snowstorm arrives. And then they get a call that the baby is coming early! Hank, Dad, and Emily know they have to get home - and fast! They hop on a train, hitch a ride on a dump truck, jump on a snowmobile, and climb into a dogsled, all in a desperate attempt to get home in time for Baby Zipzer's birth.
- GenresMiddle GradeChildrens
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Henry Winkler
113 books554 followersHenry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.
Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.
Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.
Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.
Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 20, 2020
I love Hank Zipzer books! They are fast reads and the kids love them, too!
Read
June 17, 2016Karis J. Chediak
6-17-16
Baby Harry Irving Zipzer
You will never believe where Hank Zipzer was when his mom was at the hospital, giving birth to a brand new Zipzer. This fiction story, which is called Dump Trucks and Dogsleds: I’m on my Way, Mom by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, is about a family whose weary mom is having a baby early, so they have to end their trip and exit to the hospital in New York immediately. [3]Obviously, this is a book for young readers. There’s a whole series about Hank Zipzer. [2]In the series, he’s smart, creative, his pencils are sharp, and his ballpoint pens are ready to roll. He tries not to be lazy, like adults claim he is. So why do they think he’s naughty, sluggish and stupid?
[2]Without complaining, Hank Zipzer, who lives in New York, has to divide his room in half and distribute it with his almost-due infant brother. [3]Indignantly, he is really, really disagreeing because he thinks the baby will messily stink up his room like a wild dog. [5]As his parents are shoving his clothes in one drawer, Hank screams that he is not moving. [6]Almost everyone is ignoring him. [4]Declaring that he will not share his room with the baby, Hank is really not motivated. No one seems to care.
[2]Despite insisting he share his room, his mom, who really does care, kindly suggests he tag along on a mystery trip with his dad. [3]Unfortunately, Hank is not thrilled because what his dad thinks is fun is really boring to him. [5]When he discovers that his sister Emily and his dog Cheerio are coming on the trip too, he thinks things couldn’t worsen. His dad excitedly, eagerly takes them from New York to Vermont and they ski down a gigantic hill. [6]Emily is surprisingly scared. [4]Receiving a call from Mom that she is having the baby early, they realize they have to travel back to New York right away.
[5]While mom resignedly, painfully labors alone at the hospital, their trip turns into total chaos, thanks to a huge storm. [2]With the help of the kindness of three horses named Trigger, Hopalong, and Silver, they start their journey in a freight car of a train. [6]Their stomachs growl. [4]Contorting their bodies to make space for their guests in their truck, ten Chinese acrobats, who were driven by Chin, reach into their neighbors’ pockets and give them food. A dogsled driver named Harley and a dump truck driver named Guido drove them the rest of the way because they were so kind. [3]Happily, Hank, Emily, and their dad quickly arrive at the hospital where their mom is.
The story was attractive. It was adventurous. It was great. [5]When the Chinese acrobats copied what the family was doing because they thought the family was dancing when they were really trying to communicate, the acrobats were extremely funny. It was also hilarious that Hank was pretending he was translating baby language because no one can really do that. [2]In real life too, it’s fun to think of hard times as an adventure or a mission. It took an unbelievable adventure to reach the hospital where baby Harry Irving Zipzer is born.
6-17-16
Baby Harry Irving Zipzer
You will never believe where Hank Zipzer was when his mom was at the hospital, giving birth to a brand new Zipzer. This fiction story, which is called Dump Trucks and Dogsleds: I’m on my Way, Mom by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, is about a family whose weary mom is having a baby early, so they have to end their trip and exit to the hospital in New York immediately. [3]Obviously, this is a book for young readers. There’s a whole series about Hank Zipzer. [2]In the series, he’s smart, creative, his pencils are sharp, and his ballpoint pens are ready to roll. He tries not to be lazy, like adults claim he is. So why do they think he’s naughty, sluggish and stupid?
[2]Without complaining, Hank Zipzer, who lives in New York, has to divide his room in half and distribute it with his almost-due infant brother. [3]Indignantly, he is really, really disagreeing because he thinks the baby will messily stink up his room like a wild dog. [5]As his parents are shoving his clothes in one drawer, Hank screams that he is not moving. [6]Almost everyone is ignoring him. [4]Declaring that he will not share his room with the baby, Hank is really not motivated. No one seems to care.
[2]Despite insisting he share his room, his mom, who really does care, kindly suggests he tag along on a mystery trip with his dad. [3]Unfortunately, Hank is not thrilled because what his dad thinks is fun is really boring to him. [5]When he discovers that his sister Emily and his dog Cheerio are coming on the trip too, he thinks things couldn’t worsen. His dad excitedly, eagerly takes them from New York to Vermont and they ski down a gigantic hill. [6]Emily is surprisingly scared. [4]Receiving a call from Mom that she is having the baby early, they realize they have to travel back to New York right away.
[5]While mom resignedly, painfully labors alone at the hospital, their trip turns into total chaos, thanks to a huge storm. [2]With the help of the kindness of three horses named Trigger, Hopalong, and Silver, they start their journey in a freight car of a train. [6]Their stomachs growl. [4]Contorting their bodies to make space for their guests in their truck, ten Chinese acrobats, who were driven by Chin, reach into their neighbors’ pockets and give them food. A dogsled driver named Harley and a dump truck driver named Guido drove them the rest of the way because they were so kind. [3]Happily, Hank, Emily, and their dad quickly arrive at the hospital where their mom is.
The story was attractive. It was adventurous. It was great. [5]When the Chinese acrobats copied what the family was doing because they thought the family was dancing when they were really trying to communicate, the acrobats were extremely funny. It was also hilarious that Hank was pretending he was translating baby language because no one can really do that. [2]In real life too, it’s fun to think of hard times as an adventure or a mission. It took an unbelievable adventure to reach the hospital where baby Harry Irving Zipzer is born.
November 24, 2011
This was a really quick read but still entertaining. Hank isn't at all happy about getting a new baby brother and his dad tries to make it up to him by taking Hank and Emily skiing for the weekend. It's too bad that his mom decides to have her baby soon after they get there in the middle of a storm where they bring a new meaning to all terrain trying to reach New York.
August 5, 2014
I am a big fan of Henry Winkler's MG Hank Zipzer series, though as they progressed they seemed to get more forced and exaggerated and less funny/real. This one was okay, a romp through the New England snowscape to get to the hospital in time for Mom to deliver baby Harry, but I prefer many of the earlier ones in the series. One left to read - hope it finishes off the series on a positive note!
September 20, 2011
Well, this book was a little different from other ones. There were no Principal Love nor Ms. Adolf. Nick McKelty showed up, thougn. And he actually did something good! The ending was so nice and made me smile.
April 22, 2015
This was a great book. In the mind of Crazy Hank Zipzer, and his thoughts on the adventure, was thrilling and humorous. His opinions and thoughts are very unique, and I am not ashamed to say that I think exactly the same.
October 16, 2009
he went to a snowboard trip to get away
March 1, 2010
Really funny.
July 4, 2010
It was really fun.I kept on laughing through the book.Iliked this one the best one yet.I can't what to read the 17.Hank has dyslexia just like me.I think Hank is a lot like Henry Winkler.
Read
November 20, 2010I like the Hank Zipzer series but mostly this one. It is my favorite.
February 26, 2014
2012.1.22 25000words
November 3, 2016
Thank Winkler for Hank! This book connected with kiddo profoundly. What a cool thing to witness:)
February 19, 2017
Cute story, funny and short. Perfect for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders!
March 1, 2021
And herein is the 16th installment with the Hank Zipzer series. I have enjoyed the ride thus far and appreciated the continued challenges faced by Hank in this issue as well. We finally see the pregnancy of his mother come to fruition with the imminent birth of Hank's baby brother, an event which has been anticipated for several books now in the series. In this volume, Hank and his sister and father escape the life of Manhattan for a final retreat before the baby comes. Of course, they receive the news that the baby is on his way while the state faces a major blizzard, providing significant hurdles to reaching his mother in time for witnessing and being present for the birth. Hank and his family try to find any way they can to get back to his mother in order to support her and bear witness to the birth of the youngest Zipzer, involving multiple strategies to get them there in one piece. Through the ingenuity of the three Zipzer family members, they are able to slowly get themselves through the heavy blizzard and find their way back to Manhattan. Of course, I look out for the hidden talents Hank possesses that demonstrate his alternate abilities in the face of the hazards of Mother Nature. His skills in providing nonverbal interpretations and use of other social communication strategies are highlighted in this book, thinking outside of the box and being creative in problem solving. I gave this one 3 stars simply because it was slightly unbelievable in the plot line, with some issues in the various fortuitous situations that occur and opportunities that arise, although I realize I must take this into context with being a fun piece of fiction for school-age kids. As I approach the final volume of this fun series, I am left with a sense of bittersweet satiation in finding that Hank is continuing to find his way in the world and prove his worth to himself and others.
January 9, 2023
You would think after 14 books I would be bored with a book about a young boy with dyslexia. Yet I am not; I actually anticipate the new books as they come out. I do not always read them in order but find that each stands well on its own. In the beginning of this tale, Hank is feeling the pinch of preparing to share a room with his new little brother who is on the way. The Zipzer parents decide to give Hank and his sister Emily a trip before the new sibling arrives. So Stanley takes the two skiing in Vermont. While on the slopes they get the call - Randi has gone into labour.
The trip to the hospital is no easy matter. A giant storm is blowing in. Yet how can you not have fun traveling with the Zipzers by car, in a boxcar with horses, in a van full of Chinese acrobats, dogsled and yes, as the title says, even by dump truck. This is one of the best of the books in the series, and bound to be great fun for children of all ages.
As an aside, I recently lent these books to a manager at work. He read the first one, and his daughter is now reading him the rest. They loved them. He described them as just enough humour to keep a child interested, without being over the top or inappropriate and also engaging enough for an adult. I could not agree more. These really are great books for the whole family.
The trip to the hospital is no easy matter. A giant storm is blowing in. Yet how can you not have fun traveling with the Zipzers by car, in a boxcar with horses, in a van full of Chinese acrobats, dogsled and yes, as the title says, even by dump truck. This is one of the best of the books in the series, and bound to be great fun for children of all ages.
As an aside, I recently lent these books to a manager at work. He read the first one, and his daughter is now reading him the rest. They loved them. He described them as just enough humour to keep a child interested, without being over the top or inappropriate and also engaging enough for an adult. I could not agree more. These really are great books for the whole family.
February 19, 2019
Language - G, Sexual Content - G; Violence - G
Mrs. Zipzer is having a baby early and Mr. Zipzer, Hank, and his sister Emily are six and a half hours away on a skiing trip with a storm rolling in. How are they going to get there? Will they make it in time for the baby?
I thought this was a really funny book with surprises popping up everywhere. I think that this book would be good if you need a good laugh. Hank is hilarious and the rest of the Zipzers have their quirks too.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Zipzer is having a baby early and Mr. Zipzer, Hank, and his sister Emily are six and a half hours away on a skiing trip with a storm rolling in. How are they going to get there? Will they make it in time for the baby?
I thought this was a really funny book with surprises popping up everywhere. I think that this book would be good if you need a good laugh. Hank is hilarious and the rest of the Zipzers have their quirks too.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
April 8, 2022
Trouble with babies
Hanks getting a new baby brother, and he’s not happy about it.
Seeing how his parents are putting him in his room. Hank doesn’t get
anything to say about it either. His dad takes him and his sister on
a road trip, but every thing is going crazy insane from a massive
three day snow storm. Plus the baby on his way, can they get
back to the hospital in time? Read this crazy funny and exciting
adventure, of Hanks snow day!
Debra H.
Hanks getting a new baby brother, and he’s not happy about it.
Seeing how his parents are putting him in his room. Hank doesn’t get
anything to say about it either. His dad takes him and his sister on
a road trip, but every thing is going crazy insane from a massive
three day snow storm. Plus the baby on his way, can they get
back to the hospital in time? Read this crazy funny and exciting
adventure, of Hanks snow day!
Debra H.
February 19, 2024
I didn't think I'd like this one but of course I loved it! Fun adventures with Hank, Emily, his dad and beloved dog Cheerio. So well written that I felt like I was a part of it and could picture everything that was happening. Such a fun and quick read!
May 19, 2021
A very fun book. The story of a ski trip, a race home against all odds, and a new baby. A very cute story.
February 3, 2012
Laugh out loud funny.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews