Tim's Friend Towser

Little Tim

by Edward Ardizzone

It was a stormy day aboard the S.S. "Royal Fusilier" when Tim found a stowaway hidden in a lifeboat--a tiny puppy. His only problem was Captain Piper, who loved cats--especially his own--but simply hated dogs.

First published between 1936 and 1977, Edward Ardizzone's classic Little Tim books have been loved by generations of children for their spirited adventures and totally matter-of-fact tellings by a storyteller who spoke straight to children's imaginations. As Maurice Sendak has said, "The opening lines of the very first story were a droll Ishmaellike call to adventure that gave great promise of wonderful things to come."

We are proud to bring Little Tim to a new generation of readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Edward Jeffrey Irving Ardizzone, CBE, RA was an English artist, writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books.

For Tim All Alone (Oxford, 1956), which he wrote and illustrated, Ardizzone won the inaugural Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject.

For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005) it was named one of the top ten winning works, selected by a panel to compose the ballot for a public election of the all-time favourite.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun adventure for Tim and his friend Ginger whilst away at sea! This one features Towser--lovable dog and faithful companion.

The Tim books are great read alouds to older preschoolers and up, but they also work nicely as early readers for children who are almost ready to leave Henry and Mudge and co. behind. They remind me a bit of the Blaze books--longer narratives not broken up by chapters, but the font is large and the story is quite readable, especially with the help of the illustrations.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Little Tim discovers Towser, a puppy that has hidden himself on board their ship, Tim and his friend Ginger decide to hide that puppy in their cabin. Then, "when the ship stopped at the next port, they would take it ashore and try and find a home for it."

That Tim is a thoroughly good boy. The twists and turns of the plot entertain readers like me, but there always seems to be hope for a happy outcome. M0stly, I am impressed at how Tim (tnough no goody-goody) always acts with honor.

As for the ending, that is thoroughly good too, exceeding my fondest wishes for loveable Towser.

FIVE GOLDEN STARS.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching dog story! (also includes a cat, so I'm happy.)

I'm really enjoying these Little Tim books because they always address how characters are feeling. Someone is jealous; another is missing someone. You don't see a lot of that in books for this age group and in this time period. Excellent for social-emotional learning.

I also love to see picture books with longer and more complicated texts for advanced readers. These are exciting adventures on boats that might take a little time to read. A great bridge before going into chapter books.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic. Valuable in its time for sure. Now, I'm afraid I just don't know if the target audience would care for it. I, personally, would recommend it to a child who loved pirates... because the freedom of the open sea (with no mother around) is a terrific motif, but pirates themselves are, after all, bad guys. I will continue to read anything written or illustrated by Ardizzone as I run across it.

[Robin Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Ardizzone is far and away my favorite author of picture books. I love both his illustrations and Tim's adventures. They are like Tintin books for a younger audience. But my very favorite Ardizzone book is Sarah and Simon and No Red Paint.

[Checkthebook · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you hide a dog on board a ship? So funny!