A Coyote's in the House

May 17, 2004
Leonard knows a thing or two about movies (he's seen 18 of his novels make it to the big screen, including Get Shorty
and Jackie Brown
), and he sets his entertaining debut children's book in the Hollywood hills. German shepherd Buddy, the canine star of movies such as Buddy to the Rescue
, helped put his human family in the lap of luxury. But now that he's retired, life in his suburban home seems to revolve around a pampered poodle named Miss Betty—and Buddy is bored of playing second fiddle. Enter Antwan, a wild coyote whose passion for food is matched by his disdain for domesticated pets ("The dog's forgot who he is. Thinks he's only supposed to do what his master wants," Antwan says the first time he spies Buddy in a nearby park). Antwan and Buddy approach each other with caution at first, and even threaten to butt heads. But they soon come to respect each other—and decide to trade places. The adventure may be slim and the plot travels familiar ground, but the dialogue sparkles and allows Leonard to satirize domestic life ("You too used to food comes out of a bag," he lectures Miss Betty, "That's what I'd call being housebroken, not the other thing, peeing on the carpet.... ou've lost your taste for regular food"). Black-and-red illustrations throughout resemble film stills—perhaps the book will be Buddy's ticket back to the big screen? Ages 10-up.

October 1, 2004
Gr 5-8 -Leonard's knack for creating intriguing, strong characters is evident in his first children's book. While chasing down his latest meal, Antwan, a hip-talking coyote, makes his way into a Hollywood home, where he meets two dogs-Buddy, an aging film star, and Miss Betty, a champion poodle. In a reversal of roles, Buddy decides that living in the Hollywood Hills as a wild dog with Antwan's homeboys would suit him just fine and he talks the coyote into taking his place as a pampered pet. He comes up with a plan to convince his owners that Antwan is actually a stray dog, and the coyote is soon adopted. After many misadventures and subplots, including Miss Betty's scheme to kidnap a cat for Buddy to rescue in order to help the German shepherd overcome his feelings of being a has-been, the animals land back in their original location, feeling content with the way things have ended. Leonard's enlightening descriptions of the movie business may please adults more than youngsters, but all readers will delight in the growing friendship among the characters. Humorous black-and-white drawings with red accents-Buddy's film trademark is a red bandanna-add further interest.-Ellen Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.