Reviews from Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars
RIP SQUEAK HITS HOME
By Annie Slessman on October 29, 2013

Nothing but nothing brings a warm feeling better than a Rip Squeak book. Both Susan Yost and Mr. Filgate’s illustrations work together in perfect unison to provide not only good reading but great viewing. Filgate is a master at bringing personality to his characters. This team is a winner all the way!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific children’s book
By Susan on April 10, 2018

Great illustrations with a cute story.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly wonderful
By Reader on April 14, 2015

LOVE LOVE Rip Squeak! I discovered him while on vacation in Maui before they closed the Rip Squeak gallery and I’ve been a fan ever since. The characters are endearing, the illustrations are truly beautiful, and the stories are sweet and poignant. I highly recommend the whole series.

5.0 out of 5 stars
charming childrens’ story
By Mark E. Blumer on December 12, 2008

This book is part of a trilogy of adventures by the same group of animals. The artwork is amazing and the story is charming but a little advanced for the youngest ones. I think it is appropriate for 4 or 5 and up.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Stars
By a happy customer on November 28, 2014

Adorable book.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Illustrations
By Carrie Tucker on March 2, 2006

I have 2 young boys ages 4 and 2 who love to read so we have shelves and shelves full of books. This book is by far one of my favorites in terms of gorgeous illustrations and the ability to bring imagination and ideas to my older son. One book in this series, “The Treasure”, was originally given to us by my father, who is an illustrator and art director. He was amazed by the beauty as well, and we’ve purchased every other book by this author in order to keep the story going. My son loves the story and I think it teaches him how to pretend, make up stories, and have good old fashioned fun with dress up and fantasy without all the batteries, bells, and whistles in today’s toys. This book is truly inspirational and one of a kind.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story, even for a 39 year old. Beautiful artwork!
By Kimber on September 6, 2001

It was seeing the artwork that made me buy this book. I was drawn back to my childhood when I saw the work of Leonard Filgate in an art gallery, standing there mesmerized by the detail and capture of emotion in his characters. I couldn’t afford the paintings so I thought I would pick up the book as a memento. Well, I had an hour to kill so I began to read, what a joyous story! Pick one up for yourself or your child, and enjoy!!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Filgate fun
By Auntie Connie on March 5, 2008

This is a delightful book, one of several by the author and illustrator. Great for children of all ages.

4.0 out of 5 stars
Rip makes the grade
Annie Slessman October 29, 2013

I am a real fan of Rip Squeak and his friends. We discovered Mr. Filgate and Susan many years ago during a visit to a gallery in Chicago. I have been buying their books to this day. There is no one I know that can bring such life to his characters as Filgate does. Any child would be delighted to open this book...my own grandson loved the book and bent over with laughter.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Stars
Verified Purchase March 9, 2015

kids loved the stories

4.0 out of 5 star
Buy this for the Illustrations, not the story.
Sadie December 22, 2010

The illustrations by Leonard Filgate are what attracted me to this series of books. His animal characters are so incredibly adorable and expressive your children will fall in love with them. The friends comprise of mice, a toad and a cat, who all get along, which teaches diversity and tolerance to young readers.

Sadly, the story written by Susan Yost-Filgate leaves a lot to be desired. It should have been longer. It appears to just cut off at the end. The animals go in search of a treasure and find a pirate ship, which is the treasure, but as soon as they board the ship for an adventure the story ends. Maybe this is because the artist didn't create enough illustrations for the book, I don't know, but the story just doesn't hold up. Instead of being written and then illustrated, it appears that captions to the illustrations were added afterwards. You also should read "Rip Squeak and His Friends" beforehand so you'll know who all the characters are. The "story" begins as if you just put down the last book, which may be the real purpose of the story not ending properly - they wanted a cliff hanger so you would buy the next book.

Nonetheless, I believe Leonard Filgate should be a Caldecott winner for his illustrations but I haven't found any information to support that he has been. The lovely, bright and expressive illustrations are enough of a reason to purchase the book.

[Please note that the last publishers made the stories shorter than the original versions. And children’s books are normally 32 pages in length. The Treasure was followed up by The Adventure.]