Dear Beast

February 15, 2020
Epistolary dispatches from the eternal canine/feline feud. Simon the cat is angry. He had done a good job taking care of his boy, Andy, but now that Andy's parents are divorced, a dog named Baxter has moved into Andy's dad's house. Simon believes that there isn't enough room in Andy's life for two furry friends, so he uses the power of the pen to get Baxter to move out. Inventively for the early-chapter-book format, the story is told in letters written back and forth; Simon's are impeccably spelled on personalized stationery while Baxter's spelling slowly improves through the letters he scrawls on scraps of paper. A few other animals make appearances--a puffy-lipped goldfish who for some reason punctuates her letter with "Blub...blub..." seems to be the only female character (cued through stereotypical use of eyelashes and red lipstick), and a mustachioed snail ferries the mail to and fro. White-appearing Andy is seen playing with both animals as a visual background to the text, as is his friend Noah (a dark-skinned child who perhaps should not be nicknamed "N Man"). Cat lovers will appreciate Simon's prickliness while dog aficionados will likely enjoy Baxter's obtuse enthusiasm, and all readers will learn about the time and patience it takes to overcome conflict and jealousy with someone you dislike. An effective early chapter book conveyed in a slightly overdone gag. (Fiction. 6-8)

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Starred review from March 1, 2020

K-Gr 2-This title's collection of letters brings out the best (and worst) in a small boy's two pets-cat Simon and dog Baxter ("the Beast") as they battle over young Andy, a child of divorced parents who has two homes with a pet at each house. The very proper and organized Simon only thinks of his own role as number one pet and wants to convince Baxter to leave permanently. However, the innocent, affectionate dog supports Andy. Baxter's missives include misspelled words on torn, lined paper, while the feline writes formal notes "from the desk of" Simon. Both pets are in a contest for Andy's heart. With interspersed cartoon comic images, a Doggy Dictionary of misspellings, and a collection of letters from other pets and street friends, the tale progresses through various crises as Simon learns more about how to be a "good pet." The letter format allows for a variation of fonts and postscript or "FTS (forgot to say)" commentary, while the text's humor and colorful cartoon art animate even minor characters. VERDICT This recommended first purchase title for all libraries encourages young readers to examine the point of view and underlying motives of the characters. A tale begging for the treat of a sequel.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

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March 15, 2020
Grades 1-3 Cat Simon is appalled when Andy returns from his dad's house with news of a new dog, Baxter. While Simon acknowledges that it's too bad [Andy's] parents no longer live together, he believes Andy does not need another pet?and sends a letter informing Baxter of his decision. Using a mustachioed snail as mail carrier, Simon, Baxter, and a few secondary characters tell the story through correspondence. Simon writes sophisticated letters on personalized stationery. Baxter begins with crayon on torn paper, slowly improving his spelling and formatting. Eventually Simon chases Baxter off, but has a change of heart when faced with the consequences. Expressive full-color illustrations make the book appealing. For some readers, decoding Baxter's creative spelling ( figyor owt how to share Andy ) and Simon's sophisticated vocabulary ( Therefore, I really must insist you find another family ) will be too challenging, despite the Doggy Dictionary in the back. For those who can navigate successfully, the book is an engaging romp and a introduction to epistolary fiction. Purchase where transitional chapter books are in high demand.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

May 25, 2020
Andy had one pet at his mother’s house—a cat named Simon—and now there’s a dog at his father’s house, too. Polished, tightly drawn panel artwork by Atteberry (Ghost Cat) shows a mustachioed snail carrying a letter from haughty Simon to the new pet, Baxter. “This letter is to inform you that your services are not needed.... I prefer to care for him on my own.” The dog’s laconic reply is written in red crayon on a scrap of paper: “No can do.” As the correspondence continues, Simon’s letters grow chillier, while Baxter’s replies grow all the more sweet: “LET’S BE FRIENDS!!!!!!!!” Soon, there’s a crisis: Baxter runs away, Andy’s bereft, and Simon’s letters with a third pet and other local creatures help track Baxter down. Butler (the King & Kayla series) paces her epistolary story smartly and sweeps it free of distractions, making the contrast between Simon’s controlling elitism and Baxter’s dopey but eager heart easy to see. Though both love Andy, Baxter’s more interested in making him happy than in hovering over him (“There’s more to life than book reeports, you noe” Baxter tells Simon). It’s a message of acceptance that readers of this generous, easy-to-read story will warm to. Ages 6–9.