Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Honey is a big "rescue mutt" with the airs of a diva, and Leon is a supportive Chihuahua. They live with two human "dads" in New York City, and life is good; the characters are based on actor/author Cumming and artist Shaffer and their own pets, now deceased. When the always-on-the-road husbands take yet another trip, the dogs decide that they're not going to be left behind again; Honey and Leon believe their dads need to be protected, because, "That's what dogs do! That's what dogs are for!" Employing a combination of clever disguises and intensive shadowing, the dogs tail their owners to their seaside destination (one assumes it's Cannes), preventing a couple mishaps and even grabbing a moment in the spotlight-although readers learn that the dads have been on to them the whole time. It's a fun premise, breezily told, and Shaffer's fluid, pastel-hued watercolors exude a cheery élan, whether the dogs are expertly hailing a cab or wearing sunglasses while doing surveillance on their owners at the movies. Ages 3-7. Agent: Luke Janklow, Janklow & Nesbit. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Honey and Leon, a rescue mutt and a Chihuahua who live in New York City's East Village, are sick and tired of their dads (fictional facsimiles of actor Cumming and his husband Shaffer) traveling so much for work. Not only are they lonely but they are also unable to perform their most important doggy duty: to "guard [their dads] and keep them out of danger." So when Honey and Leon discover that their dads will be going away again, the canines decide to take action. They hurriedly pack their suitcases (with such essentials as "just-in-case treats" and "emergency treats," as well as the disguises that will keep their dads from noticing them tagging along). Adults working their way through the second (or third or fourth) reading will appreciate the witty but occasionally too cutesy dialogue. The narrative meanders and could have benefited from stronger emphasis on the moments when the dogs help their dads avert danger (foiling a luggage thief, waking a drowsy yacht captain). However, the illustrations, with a light pastel color wash for the background-reminiscent of classics such as Madeline or Babar-give the story a refreshingly soothing mood and a timeless feel. -VERDICT Like most celebrity children's books, this title breaks no literary ground, but the tale is complex enough to keep older readers' attention and sweetly silly enough to leave readers with a smile. An additional purchase.-Ann Santori, Cook Memorial Public Library, Libertyville, IL © Copyright 2017. 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 Horn Book Review
Devoted dogs Honey and Leon live with their two human "dads" in New York City. Appealing, softly rendered watercolor illustrations show the protective canines secretly shadowing their dads on vacation. The dogs foil a crook's attempt to steal their luggage, among other helpful maneuvers and some antics. In an amusing plot twist, it's revealed that the dads are aware of their pets' presence. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When the dads go on vacation, what's a faithful dog to do?Honey, a rescued mutt (and secret actress), and Leon, a Brooklyn Chihuahua, live in New York City's East Village with their two white dads. Their life is perfect except when their dads travel. It's a dog's job to protect their humans! So when the suitcases come out this time, Honey and Leon decide they'll follow incognito to keep the dads safe. They foil a luggage thief, wake a snoozing excursion-boat pilot, and generally keep an eye out (all while in disguises). Then, on the red carpet at a gala event, Honey just can't help showing off (and making headlines) in her gown. It takes some damage control, but the dogs keep their dads from discovering their secret protectorsor do they? Award-winning actor, singer, activist, and presenter Cumming pens a tale of filial doggie devotion. The text is punctuated, here and there, with speech-bubble commentary and punch lines from the pooches. Young listeners will enjoy finding the pups in each picture and wonder if their own pets might wish to secretly travel along to watch over them. Shaffer's watercolors are foolishly charming on every page and add sight gags and in-jokes for caregivers for extra fun. A fine family fable and a perfect story to read to a devoted dog. (Picture book. 3-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
