I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The book was a little odd. The story itself was just hard to identify with. But the pictures are wonderful. The pictures really saved the rating.

We read this book and then talked about what was happening. My grandson, who is seven, said it was about a man who was a ghost, because only the children could see him. He collected all the animal ghosts and when he had enough, they all went away up into the sky. Okay, he got something out of it. The younger two just said it was a man who could fly and had a bunch of pets. I read a lot of the reviews and I am not really sure. I guess, it could be about death, and what happens to the soul or spirit afterwards. I'm not really sure. We did like the illustrations and they sat and listened to the story, but I'm not sure if this is one we would read again.

I read this book the week my cat died and I was not ready for it. I have always smirked at the concept of the rainbow bridge and seeing it depicted in the walls of the room where I hugged Mia for the last time added a certain level of absurdity to the whole heart-wrenching ordeal.

The next day I decided to escape into picture books and encountered Mr. Rodríguez. I was not ready. To be honest, I resented him. If my interpretation is correct and he is some sort of modern-day Charon taking people's pets to the Underworld (Heaven or wherever else you believe souls go) I hate the idea that our beloved pets' last memory will be of a stranger instead of the people who weep inconsolable tears for their death.

I will not be posting this review on Goodreads or anywhere else. I had hoped that the years would lessen the painful memories associated with this book, but they have not. I recognize that I cannot be objective in my review and I do not want to harm its reputation because of my clouded judgment.

I actually read this months ago. I regularly think about it and smile. It was just such a cute book and I really found myself adoring Mistger Rodriguez as much as the other children. I can see how this book could be a bit confusing for some children, but I found it endearing and lovely.

This story has beautiful illustrations that I think any child would enjoy! The story seems slightly confusing, but very cute!

A quirky and atmospheric picture book that delves into questions about the mysteriousness of life and death. I really enjoyed this book and while I don't think it has mainstream appeal, there are definitely those readers out there who I know will love it too.

This book is adorable. I loved the story but the narration was the best part. These beautiful illustrations truly made the story.

Princess Fuzzypants here: this is an adorable, charming tale with delightful pictures. Mr. Rodriguez is a whimsical character who moves around town fascinating children with the magical feats he can accomplish.
Five purrs and two paws up.

‘Bon Voyage, Mister Rodriguez’ was a strange read for me. Initially, I loved Duchesne’s quirky, magical plot, which was made even more pronounced with Thisdale’s dreamy illustrations.

However, the ending threw me for a loop, as, not only was it not what I expected, but I also didn’t understand it. Was Mister Rodriquez flying away to somewhere new? Was he dying? ... ... ...?? I was just left confused. And that is quite problematic when you are reading this aloud to your 6- & 4-year old and they start asking questions.

Sure, you can ask them what *they* think it means, but, in the end, you have no real answer for them...and at that age, not having an answer is not where you want to land. Of course leaving things to the imagination is fun and whimsical, but sometimes young kids just want real answers with images to back it up. This book gave neither...

Thank You to NetGalley, Pajama Press, & Myrick Marketing and Media for the digital copy to review.

Bon Voyage, Mister Rodriguez by Christiane Duchesne left me pondering what I’d just read, but in a good way. Perhaps that was the point though—to open a dialogue with children about death and what happens afterwards, without pointedly sticking to one belief system. The story allows for a variety of interpretations inviting adults and children to discuss loss in their own ways.

The illustrations by François Thisdale are stunningly beautiful and worthy of their own praise. While the story was loosely constructed (again, in a good way), François Thisdale’s artwork is solid and provides idyllic support to Christiane Duchesne’s words.

Thanks to Pajama Press, Myrick Marketing & Media LLC, and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #BonVoyageMisterRodriguez


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Hmmm. What a strange little book. I feel like the story wasn't actually finished, but then maybe that was the point. To open a conversation up with a child experience loss or confusion? I'm not really sure. I did like it though. It was weird and different and so very interesting.

Those illustrations though. My goodness. I loved everything but the children. Everything else was so beautiful and whimsical and then the kids were creepy. Again, I don't know. This book is just so strange.

What a strange little book. I mean, I get it... but I'm not sure if I really like it or not.

Mister Rodriguez is an odd character. One week, the children notice that he's being accompanied by various animals (many of them old and decrepit). Each day, it's a different animal, with Mister Rodriguez floating along with them. At the end of the week, Mister Rodriguez disappears.

The guy is obviously some sort of angel or spirit who helps animals cross over to the other side. But knowing that just brings up more questions. Why did he only start helping the animals that week? Did nobody's pet die before then? Why did he hang around acting all shifty and suspicious for years beforehand? Was he just waiting until his own death was imminent so he could take a bunch of animal spirits with him? Did he actually die? All sorts of possibilities are implied, but never explained.

I'm not really a fan of the illustrations here. The backgrounds are nice, and Mister Rodriguez and the animals are fine. But the kids are downright creepy. There's an uncanny quality to them that doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the artwork.

There might be an audience for this among kids who have recently lost a pet, but even then I'm a bit skeptical. While the story is original and the illustrations cleverly hint at what's really going on, the book as a whole doesn't quite work for me. Your mileage may vary, of course.

It would simply too easy to reveal too much about the literally magical Mr. Rodriguez as he strolls through his Canadian village each day at 4 o’clock. Children will adore the possibilities in author Christine Duchesne’s book, while adults will appreciate illustrator François Thisdale’s whimsical pictures.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Myrick Marketing and Media and Pajama Press in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet little book about a sweet older man. Mr.Rodriquez has a whole town full of children watching his daily walks with extreme interest. Even the animals take up with him without a word. One day it’s a piano and the next a dog. What will take up with Mr. Rodriguez on Tuesday or Thursday. A sweet fantastical way to read about the days of the week. The quaint little sea side town where everyone knows everyone and notices when one is missing is very welcoming and peaceful. Mr. Rodriquez is sent off with love from his community. Bon voyage Mr.Rodriquez is a perfect bedtime story and a lovely book for children dealing with loss or change.

The book started out really well with beautiful illustrations, but it fell flat at the end. I just did not understand it, and I don't see kids understanding it either. It was written in a way that make it seem like there was going to be a meaning to everything at the end, but there wasn't.

My Review: I was intrigued by the synopsis for this book and the artwork looked amazing. I was not wrong about the art, it is absolutely stunning. The story however left much to be desired. There is much promised in the synopsis about finding out what this mysterious character's job is, but we never fully find out. Much is left open to interpretation, but honestly I think it is left too open, especially for younger audiences. We follow the kids as they spy on Mr. Rodriguez each day at 4:00, as he does something a bit magical each day with an unusual companion. Then the story pretty much abruptly ends. It looks as if Mr. Rodiguez is possibly a guardian or guide for the spirits of pets but it isn't very clear. I almost felt like I was missing several pages of the story, and was left a bit confused. As someone who has a child who thinks very literally, I think this would be completely beyond his grasp and he would be just as confused as I am and it would lead to boredom. Maybe more creative thinking kids would enjoy it more.

My Rating: I really wanted to like this story, the illustrations were beautiful and I think I like the idea the story is trying to convey but it was just left a little too vague, especially for the younger audiences. I give it a rating of Two Paws.

This is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book that is lyrical in its writing. Each page is full of detail and wonder. The story is amazing and very touching. I can not wait to add this book to the library’s collection.

The cover and intriguing title made me interested in this story. and the illustrations are equally as beautiful, I didn't really understand what was happening in the story and felt it lacked a plot. I typically enjoy picture books that tackle difficult subjects in a subtle way, but felt this one needed more.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader copy.

I’ve had the great pleasure working with this book and it’s Publisher. It has fantastic illustrations along with a great introduction to death.

A picture book that hints at elements of death... A book to open the discussion between you and your child. The story has left me with much to wonder about. Thus, it leaves the way wide open for questions in your discussion.... What did "this" mean? Or "that"?

Beautiful illustrations. I love that the artist included the little white Westie every time that the neighborhood kids are shown!