Go Home Flash

September 28, 2015
Flash, the rascally dog from Bad Dog Flash, has no interest in hanging out at home in this sequel. Paul’s staccato, repetition-driven text reflects Flash’s single-mindedness as he follows the family’s father to a bus stop (“Too late. Shut gate. Sit. Wait. Mean Gate. Jump gate!”) and rolls around in garbage before dropping by the local school (“Sniff smell, find smell, good smell, strong smell!”). Soft mixed-media artwork gives the sense of a cozy town where everyone knows everyone (and everyone knows Flash), while underlining the idea that loving a dog like Flash might not be easy, but it’s worth it. Ages 3–up.

October 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-Flash is an adventurous little puppy who just wants to spend time with his humans. Unfortunately, on this day, they have school and work and errands to run. Flash, however, will not be denied. He sneaks away, hoping to join his loved ones in their activities. His owners are none too pleased when they see Flash at the bus stop, the school, and even in the car! Finally sequestered at home, Flash dreams of running free with a pack of dogs, until he is awakened by those he loves. An adorably cozy story of a busy family and their peppy pup, this book is a follow-up to Bad Dog Flash (Sourcebooks, 2014). Adult readers will feel like they are stepping back in time with the book's soft, muted, almost sepia-toned artwork, and classic font. The youngest readers will be able to "read" the book themselves just by looking at the quality illustrations. The text is simple and repetitive, and the size of the font distinguishes between what Flash is thinking and what his family is saying. This title works great as a read-aloud, as listeners will eagerly chime in on the repeated phrase "go home, Flash." VERDICT A strong pick for preschoolers and beginning readers.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

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