Most Valuable Puppy

June 1, 2019
This opening title for a chapter-book series follows Korean siblings Shawn and Kat Choi as they petsit for Bouncer, an active Jack Russell terrier who loves kimchi. As the story opens, these characters bound on the scene with a ready-to-play attitude. When the siblings decide to start a doggie day care business, Bouncer is their first customer. Living up to his name, the high-energy pup leaves chewed-up shoes and a half-eaten chicken in his wake. Focusing on his personality, the siblings determine that exercising him at a nearby park curbs his bad behavior. Using kimchi as a reward, they train Bouncer to fetch balls on the tennis court, the baseball field, and the soccer pitch. Each book in this series highlights a different dog breed and the unique care and training required to bring out their best behavior. Publishing simultaneously are Blue Ribbon Pup, about a bichon frisé; Dog Sled Star, about a Siberian husky; and Library Buddy, about a goldendoodle. Set in large, easy-to-read type, the vocabulary is useful and simple, with just a few reach words like "obstacle" and "occasion." Hanakata's illustrations, well balanced with the text, depict Bouncer as a cheerfully playful puppy, propelling the action forward with his antics; Shawn and Kat are supported by a diverse cast in which readers of many colors can see themselves reflected. Problem-solvers and dog lovers alike will pounce on this series. (Fiction. 5-8)

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September 1, 2019

Gr 1-3-Shawn and Kat are trying to come up with a summer project but can't agree on an idea. They go to the park and run into their friend Mitchell and his sister, who have a new puppy named Bouncer. Shawn and Kat decide to start a dog day care as their summer project, so they visit the library to research. On the first day, Bouncer causes a lot of trouble in their house. They take him to the park, where he's very interested in the different games going on, especially soccer. In the end, the kids realize that Bouncer needs a lot of activity to keep him from causing trouble and that he loves kimchi. This is a sweet story of siblings working together and learning something new. The book's format is that of a beginning reader, but the word usage seems more appropriate for an early chapter book. There are also some sounds, like a dog bark and the grandmother crying out, that are spelled phonetically and may confuse new readers. VERDICT This pleasant early chapter book is a fine choice for one-on-one sharing but may be intimidating for those at the younger end of its intended audience. An additional purchase.-Shana Shea, Windsor Public Library, CT

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