Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee

Mr. Magee

by Chris Van Dusen

The third book in the much-loved series about Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee!

Chris Van Dusen books are always a delight, combining playful rhyming text with bright, comical artwork that's alive with color and detail.

One winter morning, Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, head out bright and early to learn how to ski. But what begins as a pleasant day in the snow quickly goes downhill when a run-in with a curious moose sends them flying through the air and hanging above an abyss! How will Dee and Magee find their way out of this snowy situation?  Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee  is another fun-filled adventure for Magee fans old and new.

ADVENTURES IN THE A funny children's book that shares a lesson on overcoming obstacles with an easy-to-follow storyline, fun illustrations, and likable characters. Perfect as a bedtime story at home or on a family ski trip!
 
TEACHERS' PICK For storytime or individual reading time, teachers and students love the Mr. Magee books. This title is one of teachers' favorite winter books that may even inspire snow-themed classroom décor!

FUN BOOKS SERIES FOR Other titles in this terrific series of illustrated books for early readers include Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee  and  A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee .

Perfect

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Sports, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Poetry

36 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2010

About the author

Chris Van Dusen writes: “I was born in Portland, Maine, on St. Patrick’s Day, 1960. As a child, my brothers and I would spend hours drawing pictures. We didn’t have video games or computers to entertain us, so we drew instead. One of my brothers would sketch intricate war scenes. Another would draw animals so realistic you’d swear they were breathing. My specialty was aliens, robots, and monsters.

“Dr. Seuss and Robert McCloskey were my heroes. I loved the rhythm of Dr. Seuss’ words and I was fascinated by the meticulous detail of Robert McCloskey’s illustrations. I had no idea back then that I’d end up writing and illustrating children’s books when I grew up.

“After high school, I studied fine art at The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and graduated with a BFA in 1982. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. First I was a waiter, and then I was offered a part-time job at a magazine for teenagers. Eventually I started drawing cartoons and illustrations for the magazine and my career as an illustrator was born.

“For more than ten years I worked as a freelance illustrator specializing in art for kids. I was doing mostly editorial work and my illustrations appeared in magazines like Nickelodeon, Family Fun, and Disney Adventures. One day I started thinking about drawing a picture of a boat stuck high up in a tree. I thought that would be a really funny and intriguing illustration. At the same time, a refrain kept running through my head—“Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee / Hopped in the car and drove down to the sea.” The combination of these two things eventually became my first book, Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee (Chronicle), which was published in 2000. Since then I’ve written and illustrated A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee (Chronicle) (2003), If I Built a Car (Puffin) (2005) and I’ve had a ball illustrating Kate DiCamillo’s Mercy Watson series (Candlewick).

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Magee decides that he and Dee should try skiing. He rigs up a basket for Dee to ride in on his back and heads for a small hill near their home to try things out before driving to the mountains. Skiing proves a bit challenging for Mr. Magee, especially when a moose and a ravine get in his way.

Oh my goodness, Van Dusen's illustrations in this are amazing and hilarious, and it's all about the way he uses perspective. It's artistic comedic genius. Another wild adventure for Mr. Magee and Dee, but we'd expect nothing less of them now. Once again, keep an eye out for the milkman's truck sneaking into the story.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book with beautifully expressive illustrations following the adventures of Mr. McGee with his dog Dee, learning to ski. Lots of silliness and great repetition of words for small children.

[Caleb Bratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the silly rhymes. Glad McGee made it out of a scary situation unharmed.

[Gavin Luscombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee is a quick, funny read that ages 3-8 would typically enjoy. With the usage of catchy verses and rhyming words, everyone child can easily tag along. I had a fun time reading this out loud to myself as I found myself almost singing the verses in rhythm. The plot of the story isn't very impactful on much but for a very young kid just starting to read, this book exposes them to many different words they might not have heard before; a great time to stop and explain to a child what these words mean and answer any questions they may have about some of the characters. Towards the end, it becomes suspenseful but everyone knows how a children's story ends. Other than the stereotypes, I think this is a great book for beginning readers.

[BreAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book to read! The verse is done really well, so you don't find yourself stumbling over the cadence like you do in some rhyming books where the rhythm is forced. The pictures are stunning and I love all the dynamic perspectives. A fun little adventure that illustrates the experience of what often happens when trying something new. Loved it.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Magee attempts to teach himself to ski. Readers see a rather interesting mishap as he encounters a moose crossing the hill as he and his dog are on the way down. The rhyming text works as readers enjoy the fun and adventures. The ending works as Mr. Magee realizes he need to take real lessons to learn this sport.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The foundational struggle with skiing - learning how to steer! This book had a very “Dr. Suess meets Puppy Dog Pals” feel. If you haven’t seen Puppy Dog Pals, I can’t help you. My kids were cracking up by the end of this one!

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ski 🎿 like Mr. Magee. It’s just not for me. This was a wonderful little story. Great family read.

Snag this opportunity to talk to your kids about ski safety ⛷ and what to do should you find yourself in a situation like Mr. Magee.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Magee and his dog Dee decide to learn how to ski one bright winter morning. Before long they meet up with a moose, and the real adventure begins in this humor filled rhyming tale of a day on the slopes.

[FM Family · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good silly early reader with Mr. Magee having mishaps (as he is wont to do) as he tries out skiing. Nothing extraordinary but strikes the right balance for an early reader and a book about wintertime!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Mr. Magee, always getting into trouble, but never quitting adventure or the outdoors. Love it. I'm glad Van Dusen is more than an excellent artist- he can write too!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a breathless and hilarious downhill run as Mr. Magee straps on skis and heads for the slopes. It's hard to believe that broad, physical comedy can translate so well to the printed page, but this was very funny. Hope Van Dusen is planning plenty more of these books.

[Maren Prestegaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

How picture books should be made. I love Chris Van Dusen as an author.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny rhyming book that kept our attention all the way through 😊

[Steve Ongley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud 4/19 by Karin Parsons

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Van Deusen’s illustrations are always 10/10. Cute book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy the rhyming words and illustrations of Chris Van Dusen! There's a moose in this one!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhyming text in a silly story about learning to ski (with no teachers) on a bunny hill near his house.

He thinks it will be easy to prepare for the mountain, but skiing isn't as easy as it seems.

[DeNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love Mr. Magee and Dee.

[Caroline Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

We never get tired of reading the adventures of Mr. Magee and Dee! These books are a delight and the illustrations are unparalleled.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute story! Adorable illustrations!!!

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Magee has a wacky adventure while learning to ski. I could see this getting adapted into a cartoon.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute, with super fun art! The author seems to compromise on the rhyme scheme and meter a lot, which might throw off your flow if you're reading out loud to children.

[sincerely · Rating 5 out of 5]

CVD can do no wrong! Another wonderful installment!

[Anthony Fulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun children's story with excellent illustration. Each page is beautifully detailed.

[Amanda Jo Burgner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny Rhyming Winter Story

My 7 year old enjoyed this humorous tale. He was laughing so hard he couldn't read for a minute. It has rhyming text reminiscent of Dr. Seuss.

[Amy Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lively and fun book about skiing had my kindys laughing out loud! Great fun for a winter story or Winter Olympics.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, but I think the camping one is better.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adventure with Mr. Magee and his dog Dee, and a Moose!