Fenway and Hattie and the Evil Bunny Gang

November 1, 2016
There's a single conceit to this series: Fenway, the exuberant Jack Russell terrier who relates the tale, understands people--but in a charming and, well, doggy way.That's not much to sustain the narrative for middle-grade audiences, since characterizations are simplistically filtered through Fenway's canine mind. In this second in the series, Fenway's girl, Hattie, is caring for a pet rabbit. Fenway regards Evil Bunny as he does the wild backyard rabbits: it's a dangerous threat. He's also painfully jealous, as Hattie finds the rabbit all too cute. Fenway doesn't observe the racial characteristics of people but sort of understands the language of his family, including Hattie's parents, Fetch Man and Food Lady, the latter of whom is given to saying things like "Weul see" and "Wah-chim." There are scattered subtle hints of other issues. Hattie feels torn between super-girlie friend Zahra and baseball-focused Angel, but Fenway is oblivious to the strained relationship between neighboring dogs Patches, a newcomer, and Goldie, a jealous first pet. Hattie lets Zahra take the blame for the tear Fenway makes in Angel's baseball jacket, although later she owns up. In a lively scene, Fenway wrecks the house while chasing the rabbit right out the door. Only later does he bravely rescue the bunny to restore Hattie's (and his own) happiness. A slight and predictable story that will likely find most appeal with serious dog (or bunny) lovers. (Fiction. 8-10)

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January 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Enthusiastic Jack Russell terrier Fenway and his favorite human, Hattie, encounter a threat (or friend, depending on who is being asked) in the shape of a bunny, in their second adventure. Hattie is asked to bunnysit for neighbors. Fenway is shocked and appalled that she would take this evil, large-toothed creature into their home. He is especially upset because he has been blamed for ruining the Food Lady's (Hattie's mother) garden. Fenway investigates and finds that an evil group of bunnies are on the loose and getting past all garden fences. As he tries to prevent them from doing their terrible work, he keeps looking guiltier. The misunderstandings pile up, and Fenway's extreme jealousy of the bunny doesn't help matters. The episodes get rather repetitive, although children will likely enjoy Fenway's earnestness. VERDICT An additional purchase. Recommend Spencer Quinn's "Bowser and Birdie" series to kids who want tightly written, funny mysteries featuring a dog and his girl.-B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, CA

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