Dog Diaries

August 1, 2007
From the trio who gave readers The SOS File (2004), this collection of short stories combines the bedrocks of mass appeal: dogs, humor, and short chapters brimming with illustrations. The stories include a mix of contemporary and historical, ranging from the Egyptian pharaohs to the Grand Ole Opry. Most pack a strong dose of laughs, such as Mimis Guide to Life, which includes tips on good places to hide after bathroom indiscretion. Others are poignant, like the one about the dog that serves as a makeshift guide dog after a Civil War battle leaves his owner limping and blind. As a whole, the collection is slightly uneven. Weaker elements, such as an overlong introduction to the books premise, are balanced by stronger ones, like the thrilling account of a dog that unwittingly captures a bank robber. Expressive, energetic pencil illustrations adorn nearly every page, breaking up the text for struggling or reluctant readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)