First Day of School

August 1, 2019

K-Gr 2-Ick and Crud are dogs owned by Bob. When he gets out the leashes, the dogs know that it's "time to take Bob for a walk." Unfortunately, the dogs' idea of a good walk forces Bob into the lake to cool off or to tangle their leashes to successfully avoid Miss Puffy, the cat. Bob decides to take the pups to doggie school. Bark Busters School for Dogs is a mystery to Ick and Crud, who struggle to understand how the drills will help them train humans. The dogs will not come on command or respond to their names, and after three strikes from the bull-faced instructor, it seems the pair may not graduate. The command to "stay," however, is no problem for Ick and Crud. Bob is overjoyed, and their graduation certificate is granted. The font size is large against white space, and the text is presented in short paragraphs. VERDICT The dogs' humorous dialogue and narrative paired with slapstick, cartoonish illustrations work well in this easy reader for confident newly independent readers.-Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX

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