Pinkerton, Behave!

November 1, 2014

K-Gr 2- Pinkerton, Behave! has been adored by young readers and their families for 35 years, so the author's decision to revise and reillustrate the story of an enthusiastic Great Dane gives fans a pleasant excuse to take another look. Pinkerton has a kind of auditory dyslexia: when told to fetch, he attacks; when commanded to come, he goes; asked to bark loudly, he displays affection. After his expulsion from obedience school, the mother and daughter who are his family learn to turn his unique responses to his best advantage, setting an excellent example for Pinkerton-like humans and their loved ones. Some of Kellogg's changes are cosmetic-different colors, perspectives, and phrasing-while others are more substantive. Those who read both versions will notice that the burglar no longer carries a gun and the mother now holds a cell phone. Children may enjoy comparing the old and new versions, both of which are wonderfully silly, clever, and entertaining.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

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