Dog Diaries

October 15, 2018
In this series spinoff, narrator Junior, hound of the Middle School series’ Rafe Khatchadorian, typifies his exuberance and loquaciousness in his journal’s introduction: “If you hadn’t guessed already, I’m a dog. Yep... shiny-nosed... licky-tongued... floppy-eared.” Newly rescued, he is delighted with his new “pet human,” Rafe, who in Junior’s Doglish becomes “Ruff Catch-A-Doggy-Bone.” The clueless pup’s delusions stoke the story’s humor: he knows “there’s no nicer way for a human to be woken than with a paw-poke in the center of their forehead.” Similarly, sent to obedience school after causing a ruckus in the park, Junior is convinced he’ll ace the class, despite his inability to follow commands, and is outraged when he flunks (“Stop everything! The world has gone mad!”). Rather than being returned to the shelter for failing, as the teacher threatens, Junior finagles a way to enter the Debonair Dandy-Dog Show, with expectedly amusing results. Bolstered by Watson’s spry cartoons, Patterson and Butler’s rollicking story will catch—and hold—the attention of young readers, especially those of the dog-loving variety. Ages 7–12.

October 15, 2018
Junior is a dog of great enthusiasm.Recently adopted from the animal shelter by Mom-Lady, he's the happy owner of a pet human boy he calls Ruff. Ruff is a good human. He lets Junior sleep on his bed, takes him for walks to the dog park (neighborhood map included), and seems unperturbed by Junior's ever-so-doggy ways. Unfortunately, Junior accidentally gets away at the dog park and causes all sorts of amusing pandemonium, very annoying to nasty professional dog trainer Iona Stricker. She presents Ruff with an ultimatum: either train his unruly dog (in her class), or she will have Junior returned to the shelter. Junior--once he learns what's needed--is happy to comply, until his enthusiasm gets the better of him once again. Related in Junior's endearingly canine first-dog voice, the tale is a quick one, accompanied by Watson's numerous cartoon illustrations that perfectly capture Junior's whimsical attitude. A healthy serving of mild bathroom humor should appeal to the intended audience. After all, who doesn't like to hear of a dog using Ruff's sister's shoes for a latrine? The few human characters all appear to be the white default. The broad humor and fast pace will likely entice many a reader turned off by longer, more deliberative tales. Activities and a "Doglish" glossary are included.This series opener is a romp in the park. (Fiction. 7-11)

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November 15, 2018
Grades 3-5 Junior, a rescue dog from the local animal shelter, tells about his life with his person-pal, Ruff Catch-a-Doggy-Bone (Rafe Khatchadorian). Soon after being adopted, they head to the doggy park, where Junior excitedly sees other rescued friends. The pups enjoy a raucous romp around the park until they hear crabby old Ms. Stricker's whistle. She demands that Rafe and Junior take her dog-training course, or she'll send Junior back to the shelter. Unfortunately, rambunctious Junior would rather play than obey, and the class is a disaster. In an act of desperation, Rafe negotiates Junior a place in an upcoming dog show, where they'll have one last chance to prove Junior can be trained. Ms. Stricker assures Rafe that her precious poodle always wins, but things take a chaotic, hilarious turn when a raccoon appears on the show floor. Patterson's tongue-in-cheek humor, accompanied by Watson's comic artwork, makes this illustrated chapter book a lighthearted dog and his boy story for dog-lovers and fans of Tom Watson's Stick Dog series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)