Zorro Gets an Outfit

May 28, 2012
Mister Bud, a mutt, and Zorro the pug had an antagonistic relationship in Say Hello to Zorro! but now they are amiable companions. It’s an ordinary day when something terrible happens: the dogs’ owner surprises Zorro with an outfit that makes him look like a cutesy version of Batman. Mortified, Zorro begrudgingly accompanies Mister Bud on a walk, as neighborhood dogs and a cat jeer at his new look. With the help of a third dog, though, Zorro’s self-confidence is restored. Goodrich creates spot-on canine caricatures: Zorro’s expressions of humiliation and despair are priceless. Ages 4–8.

April 1, 2012
Zorro the pug and his canine pal, Mr. Bud, return for a second adventure (Say Hello to Zorro, 2011), this time focusing on Zorro and an unwanted gift of a hooded cape similar to that worn by the masked outlaw. When Zorro's owner puts the cape on her dog, the precocious pug hangs his head in embarrassment at being forced to wear an "outfit." On the way to the dog park, he is teased by the dogs on the corner and by Slim the alley cat, making him feel even worse. The situation improves dramatically with the arrival of Dart, a dashing dog in a striped coat and bandana, who makes wearing an outfit seem cool. The clever story is told with a minimum of text, just a line or two per page, along with dialogue incorporated into the amusing watercolor illustrations. Zorro displays a full range of emotions, from deepest shame to gleeful pride, and Dart's exuberant personality is quickly conveyed through his bold actions and confident demeanor. ("Hey, cool outfit! Let's race!") Anyone who has been forced to wear an unwanted clothing gift or who has felt embarrassed by being different will relate to Zorro's dilemma. At the dog park or the playground, social standing is a fluid world sensitive to change and the influence of a top dog. Mark this one "to read." (Picture book. 3-7)

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April 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 1-The dynamic canine duo from Say Hello to Zorro! (S & S, 2010) takes on a new problem. The day starts off as usual for friends Mr. Bud and Zorro until there's a snag in their routine-their owner gives Zorro a superhero cape and mask outfit. Forced to wear the insulting attire during the walk, a very dismayed pup gets increasingly upset as other dogs make fun of him. Though Mr. Bud attempts to cheer him up, he remains disconsolate. Only the appearance of Dart, a confident dog in a sailor suit, revives Zorro. Upon seeing Dart's amazing tricks, he forgets his misery and happily frolics with the other dogs. The message of this story seems fairly open-ended-are appearances irrelevant as long as one has fun? Is it okay to wear a ridiculous outfit because someone cool is wearing one? Should you accept what life hands you and make the best of it? Readers can draw their own conclusions. The stylized watercolor illustrations, however, are unequivocally hilarious. Goodrich is brilliant at depicting doggy emotions, whether it is the deeply embarrassed Zorro, content Mr. Bud, or suave Dart. As in the first installment, the book is well designed, with ample white space surrounding the all-small-caps font and bright images. Whether shared one-on-one or as part of a dog-themed storytime, this book is sure to please existing fans of Mr. Bud and Zorro and create new admirers of these charming pups.-Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2012
Preschool-G Poor Zorro. The feisty pug is mortified when his owner presents him with a cape and a mask just like the ones his namesake wears. Feeling anything but swashbuckling in his humiliating new outfit, he is reluctantly dragged to the park with cohort Mister Bud. The neighborhood dogs laugh, of course, as does Slim the orange tabby. But Zorro's attitude quickly changes when a flash of white fur blasts through the park, performing Frisbee tricks and wearing a jaunty striped getup. Dart is dashing and self-assured, and most important, he wears an outfit! As in Goodrich's Say Hello to Zorro! (2011), the book's minimal text is well suited for early readers, and the droll, closely cropped watercolor scenes let Zorro's expressive countenanceby turns embarrassed, seething, and elateddo the storytelling. With his enormous nose, easygoing mutt Mister Bud supplies the perfect comedic counterpoint to Napoleonic dynamo Zorro in this tale of self-perception and acceptance. A treat for dog lovers young and old.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)