Trupp, a young Fuzzhead, decides to venture into the world. With a cheeky raven for a companion, Trupp rambles through the city, going virtually unnoticed by humans--that is, until they are confronted by a homeless woman who sees Trupp for who he really is. Before Trupp can decide whether to stay or run away, this unusual woman realizes that he could use a little help. “Fans of Stellaluna, Cannon’s exceptional debut book, will approach her second with high expectations--and those will be met.”--Publishers Weekly

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 3.5 based on 15 reviews)

fuzzy wisdom

Like other Janell Cannon books, Trupp is wonderful. The beautiful illustrations capture the interest of listeners even if the material is a bit mature for them (age 6). This is a book that will become a favorite over many readings. For adults, there is gentle wisdom and opportunities for conversations with children about compassion, diversity, understanding.
January 12, 2007

My grades 1-3 students loved this book...

It was a Friday afternoon and the students appeared to be tired. I planned on reading aloud only for 30 minutes. I was pleased to see that the students were engaged in the story that they insisted that I finish the whole book. I was impressed that they were able to sit through for almost an hour. When I was done, the students declared that they liked Trupp the best because the animal was cute unlike others in Cannon's books, which were either icky or scary for them (bat, cockroach and snake). They loved her illustrations and said that Trupp had beautiful blue eyes. Two students commented that Trupp in the story, actually a fictional animal called fuzzhead, looked like a combination of a cat and polar bear. The students made several connections with this story. They remembered a trip to downtown where the crowds were just like Trupp found himself in a crowd. One girl also mentioned that she had seen a homeless person carrying a cart like Bernice in the book.

I commend Ms. Cannon for being capable of doing something different and create a story about a fictional animal- it's a way to express her creativity as well demonstrate the importance of being creative.
June 04, 2003

scary

The book had a good point of exploring the world and finding out things that you wouldnt if you just stayed in one spot but being that it is for little kids i think the main character is a little freaky looking. Yes i know it is made up but if you are reading this to a little kid and showing them the pictures i think they would have nightmares since the picture of him climbing up the cliff wall kinda portrays him to be an evil little thing. i mean i am 16 and it freaked me out so if i would get freaked out by this and i am 16 i dont think this is a good idea for a kid book.
March 14, 2003

trupp

I found this book to be really weird. I didn't really like it very much. The book is about a animal that travels to where human live. He finds out that the world is big and colorful.
I would suggest this book only if your bored. So don't read it!

Mark C
March 13, 2003

Sweet, but ended abruptly

Trupp is a very cute critter- cuddly and curious, someone I would like to have visit my home. The "scientific" explanation at the beginning is cute and lends a touch of authenticity to the story- after all, Blancofelis dexterodactylus *must* exist if this kind of information is available on them. :-)

The story illustrates that many of us just don't see what we don't expect. Most humans are pretty wrapped up in our own lives, after all and wouldn't see Trupp visiting the city either. Of course, a lot of people don't see the homeless either so it's appropriate that the homeless people are the *only* ones who see Trupp.

Trupp gets tired quickly and wants to go home after only one night with the humans. Initially the ending felt very abrupt, but when I thought of how quickly children want to stop doing things sometimes, it made more sense. How many of us have spent an hour getting a child to an art exhibit or playdate, only to have the child ready to leave before we're even settled? That's the feeling Trupp's departure gave me.

This isn't the authors best, but the illustrations are charming. It can provide a springboard for discussing homelessness and other "different" people. Another reviewer stated that children don't expect a children's story to discuss homeless people, but if children see them around, they'll need to learn about them.
January 19, 2003

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Crickwing
by Janell Cannon

Little Yau: A Fuzzhead Tale
by Janell Cannon

Pinduli
by Janell Cannon

Verdi
by Janell Cannon

Stellaluna
by Janell Cannon