Product Description

In a story of adventure and revelation, Opus leads a reluctant crew of the great and famous discoverers in pursuit if the final descendant of an ancient, ferocious race.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #310585 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-- This modern fable will primarily appeal to fans of Breathed's comic strips. Glowingly surreal illustrations decorate the slight story and enhance the comedy of the fairly simple plot. Otis the penguin, along with his friends Ronald-Ann, Bill the Cat, and Milquetoast the Housebug, sets out in search of a prehistoric beast known as the Last Basselope. Once found, the beast turns out to be friendly rather than ferocious, and the intrepid adventurers decide to protect rather than exploit it. Breathed's sense of humor is delightfully sarcastic and sophisticated, but it may be missed by some younger readers. They may, however, find the sheer silliness of the tale appealing and enjoy the chance to see in book form some of the familiar characters from Bloom County and Outland. Older children and adults are more likely to appreciate the satiric view of television, print media, and contemporary society's materialistic values. Clearly, though, the usefulness of this title will depend upon the popularity of the author and the likelihood of patron interest and demand, for it is an extension of Breathed's work rather than a truly independent effort. --Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

It's a shame this is out of print
I don't understand why this book would be out of print. All of Breathed's books should always be in print, if just for the sheer richness of the illustrations. I can't say enough about how great the illustrations are in all of his books. This one is no exception.

This is a very heartwarming story about Rosebud, the last basselope (a basset hound with antelope horns and a penchant for dandelion fluff). In this book a troop of "fearless" adventurers go on a quest to find the last basselope. Opus, then penguin, Bill the Cat, Ronald Ann, and Milquetoast, the cockroach, all are looking for Rosebud. They are expecting a horrible beast, but learn that rumors can't always be trusted.

In the end, it's a story about true friendship. I recommend this, and any other work by Breathed (especially his children's books for kids and Bloom County for everyone). You won't be dissapointed.

A Laugh Out Loud Basselope Story
Opus is hunting for the world's last basselope, a creature so fierce, so mean, that in olden times "the mere sight of one of them in a dinosaur neighborhood would inspire ripsnorting dinosaur pandemonium lasting for weeks." This is a story of misunderstanding and discovery. If you remember Opus and Bloom County and the basselope, Rosebud, this is for you. It will takes you back twenty years. Breathed does a fantastic job with the artwork, and the story is exquisite, too. On it's surface it is just a fun book to read together and laugh out loud. Without too much of a stretch, you can teach kids about what happens when creatures misunderstand each other.

My favorite picture book
Full of beautiful pictures and humor, this book is for "kids" of all ages. Colorful cast including a basset-antelope dandelion eating creature that can float! This book also contains a moral... I don't know what it is, but it's there. READ IT!