Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #79138 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

Amazon.com
Laurie Keller, creator of the wonderful picture books The Scrambled States of America and Open Wide: Tooth School Inside, cooks up a rather silly story about a doughnut who narrowly escapes his doughnut fate. Arnie is proud to be chocolate-covered, with bright-colored candy sprinkles. His first day on the planet is a big one. He is 1) cut into a ring 2) deep-fried 3) cooled 4) iced 5) sprinkled and 6) named Arnie. What he doesn't realize is that step 7 is being eaten by a human. So, when a customer, Mr. Bing, starts to put him in his mouth, he screams, "What are you doing?" Arnie is further crushed when he calls the bakery to warn the others only to discover that all the other pastries are "aware of this arrangement." Unfortunately, this delightful plot twist is soured by the contrived ones that follow. Mr. Bing decides that in order to get his money's worth from Arnie he can pretend the doughnut is the dog he's always wanted--a doughnut-dog that will roll over, play fetch, etc.: "He went through a short phase of chewing on the furniture and barking at the mailman, but after a crash course in obedience school he graduated first in his class." However half-baked the story turns out to be, the funny asides and captions that Keller sprinkles throughout the book are often brilliant and the busy, crazy paintings are lots of fun, too. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Similar in style and format to Keller's Open Wide (Holt, 2000), this fun-filled adventure takes readers to a bakery. A chocolate-covered doughnut serves as guide, describing each of the steps involved in the creation of various confections. Poor Arnie, however, is clueless as to why people buy tasty treats, and when he is sold to Mr. Bing, he is shocked to discover his fate. Refusing to be eaten, he devises numerous reasons why he should remain whole and ways that he might benefit his new owner. The story becomes quite silly, as both characters think of ridiculous alternatives to the traditional role of a doughnut. Arnie suggests, "I could be your chauffeur," and Mr. Bing replies, "But you can't see over the steering wheel." Then Arnie volunteers to be a bodyguard, and Mr. Bing quips, "Who could you protect me from-a cookie?" In the end, the pastry is substituted for a pet and becomes a "doughnut-dog," doing tricks, attending obedience school, protecting Mr. Bing's abode, and becoming his best friend. Done in acrylic paints and collage, the cartoon artwork flows all over the pages, showing a multitude of details and amusingly bizarre drawings. Filled with offbeat humor, this fantasy spoof also highlights Arnie's optimistic, can-do personality. Kids will eat it up.
Rita Soltan, formerly at Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Keller's previous picture books have combined wild cartoon humor with a lesson. The Scrambled States of America (1999) introduced U.S. geography; Open Wide (2000) took a look at dental care. Her latest effort maintains the exuberant energy of the previous titles, but it dispenses with lessons in favor of a fantastical story about a doughnut that doesn't want to be eaten. Naive Arnie is delighted when Mr. Bing selects him from the tray at the Downtown Bakery ("Home of the Best Doughnuts A-Round"). But, when Mr. Bing tries to eat him, Arnie is shocked, indignant, and pleading. Soft-hearted Mr. Bing agrees to find a role for Arnie, other than breakfast. The solution? Arnie will become his pet--the world's first "doughnut-dog." The quirky friendship story is sweet, but unsubstantial; and new readers may find the text on the chaotic spreads difficult to follow. Keller's riotous collages, however, which are filled with gleeful puns, winning characters, and over-the-top silliness, are as manic and fun as a sugar high. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Lots of fun!
Who knew that doughnuts could be so much fun? Well, Laurie Keller did, and that's why she was clever enough to write this book! The story of Arnie the doughnut, trying to save himself from being eaten alive is laugh out loud funny. Arnie wonders why he is an unlucky doughnut when he is not to be chosen to be taken home by some of the shop's customers. Then he learns that perhaps he would have been better off staying at the bakery--be careful what you wish for! The title caught my eye when I first saw it, but I was not sure how a doughnut would play out in a children's book. I am so glad that we got it, because it is a much loved story that we read over and over again.

Arnie the Doughnut
Arnie, the DoughnutThis is probably one of the best children's books I have found. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. The book is rich with dialogue and characters. The main character Arnie is such a treat. He is funny, sensitive and silly.His crazy antics keep you going the entire story. I bought this book for my 7 year old and she guards it with her life. It is a very fun story full of animation and giggles. I highly suggest this book if you want to give someone a smile.

Very clever & funny book
Not your typical, dopey little kids book.
The hilarious premise of this book is made only funnier by tons of little asides written throughout the margins. My kids and I have read it hundreds of times and seem to find something new each time.
As a friend of mine said, 'It doesn't insult kids' intelligence.' Very true, as it's also funny for adults!
Author's other book about Great States is also a gem.