I must say this is not a new favorite. I DO like the book, and I cannot disapprove of the message (to make the most of what you already have), but I just feel that the way the two friends find out that they’d rather be at home is not great. I get the impression that instead of learning a valuable lesson, the characters just freak out and run home when they are met with something new. The ‘dramatic’ escape is also not my favorite. The dog nearly drowns in the ocean, and his owner continues to fly home (this would freak my son out, I am glad I proofread it), and when the dog does return home (to an apartment… from the ocean… all by himself) the author says it’s because “Eddie was a talented swimmer”.
I have to give a thumbs up for the Illustrations though. When Al and Eddie are at home in their apartment the Illustration is kept to one page, and when they journey to the island with the colorful bird the Illustrations stretch over two pages. The images are nicely done.
Overall I would give it an OK. I see where the author is trying to go, I appreciate the direction, but in my opinion the book never quite arrives.