Bad Dog Flash

September 15, 2014
A humorous story about a lovable, troublemaking puppy. Flash is an energetic, rambunctious puppy whose thirst for fun means this playful pup's choices often put him in the doghouse. Paul's delightfully expressive pencil-and-watercolor illustrations keep the pace moving forward, with Flash often romping about all over the spread. Flash's antics will elicit smiles from readers as he harasses the family cat, wreaks havoc with a stick, digs up the garden, and destroys shoes and clothes-all with a joyous grin. His capers are recounted in a rhyme and rhythm that both works and begs to be read aloud. The refrain, "Bad dog, Flash," will have readers joining in. Paul's used of varied perspectives ensures that Flash's typical misbehaving-dog shenanigans are never anything but entertaining. The many reprimands the adorably confused Flash receives culminate in a despondent dog, but he is saved from gloom and despair by his human, who loves him even when he is disobedient. Paul scores extra comedic points with the cat, who is always pleased to see Flash get in trouble.This No, David! with a canine protagonist should appeal to a broad audience, whether dog lovers or not. (Picture book. 3-5)

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September 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-Every time Flash the puppy tries to spice up his life (chasing the cat, chewing shoes, tearing the laundry from the line), he is sternly admonished by his mostly off-page humans. After this almost irrepressible pup sadly settles down, his enthusiasm is rekindled when he is cuddled by the little girl who owns him. The text is mostly composed of short rhythmic word pairs ("Still cat, /dull cat./Fast cat, /fun cat./Run, cat!") followed by the inevitable refrain, "Bad dog, Flash." The pencil and watercolor illustrations have plenty of white space to frame the action and highlight the scruffiness of the dog. Emerging readers can easily read the text on their own, and children will love chanting the refrain when the book is shared in a group storytime or one-on-one. Flash will appeal not just to canine lovers but also to all children who love an underdog.-Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI

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