Review by Booklist Review
A scraggly, bug-eyed little dog speaks for himself here, telling readers in gentle rhyme his preferred activities, a veritable litany of bad behavior. He likes to lick, bite, nip, and paw at his owner, a bespectacled, red-haired boy. He loves scratching, digging, and bashing about the house. As for the boy's glove, shoe, and socks? He steals them, of course. The pup knows he shouldn't but asserts he cannot follow commands like Stop!, Leave!, or Sit! When the boy and dog overhear voices saying the dog has to go, the dog runs and runs (the type getting smaller as he gets farther away) until he has no idea where he is. Finally, as he whines and whimpers, the boy finds him. The dog realizes he can't and won't change but will always love the little boy (and he promptly jumps the fence). Buoyant illustrations fit the rambunctious mood. Readers may want to follow up with Mick Inkpen's Kipper series and Zoe and Beans books.--Fletcher, Connie Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A large-eyed pup tries to follow the rules and learn his role within a household in this tale of unconditional love. Perfect as a read-aloud, the rhyming text highlights a first-person narrative of the little dog's confused patter. Humorous cartoon images feature pencil and watercolor drawings of his red-haired, bespectacled young owner; hugs; soulful expressions; and many views of running feet. "Stop!.Quit!.Leave!.Sit!" The commands continue, and the pooch feels he cannot do anything right and promptly runs away. But running away, day after day, merely creates more chaos, especially when he encounters cats or cows. As frustration between adults and pet rises, the threat of leaving the household permanently escalates when a crack of thunder propels a confused and frightened puppy into life-threatening danger on rain-drenched nighttime streets. VERDICT With a reassuring rescue, a bit of humor, and a heartwarming resolution, this is a recommended purchase for most libraries.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Even naughty dogs who cant behave need someone to love them.A small, squat dog with bug eyes and short legs with red-and-white striped sweat bands above the paws just cannot seem to do whats right. The dog licks, bites, nips, paws, scratches, digs, messes, and stealsand thats just on the first page of text. One of the pups worst habits is running away, which it does constantly, especially after it hears the grown-ups of the family (never seen) discussing how itll have to go. This time, though, the dog cant find its way back, and its thundering. But its owner, a redheaded, bespectacled, white little child, finds it, and the adults change their tune about keeping their childs beloved pet. But in a confusing ending to what has been a first-person account from the dogs perspective, the text reads, I dont do words. / They make no sense. / I jump for joy // and jump the fence. So, the dog, which obviously has learned nothing about running away, is saying it doesnt understand anyones words, even though it specifically reacted to the grown-ups threats and its told the whole tale in (not bad, though repetitious) rhyme? The illustrations make clear the dogs exuberance and sheer dog-ness, and its owner obviously loves it (except when the pooch rolls in poo). A Valentine to dogs, though the message is mixed. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
