Labracadabra

March 15, 2011

This early chapter book is a beaut of brevity and pacing. The narrator has been told to stay home and clean his room while his parents leave to bring back a surprise. They leave absolutely, positively NO clues. So what's the surprise? A pre-named (Larry!), older, rescued dog arrives with an enormous tail and a very questionable pedigree. "I didn't want to feel sorry for my dog. I wanted a dog I could be proud of. A big dog. A tough dog. A smart dog. Not a used dog." The narrator desperately wants a dog friend, though, so he pulls himself together—and before long, Larry's tail demonstrates that it's not an ordinary appendage. With plenty of illustrations and white space, this five-chapter romp flies along. Situations involve underwear, upchucking, a nerdy cousin, bullying, an angry bee in the car and a mother who raises her left eyebrow when upset (even Larry notices). These misadventures unfold within an idealized setting: a suburban neighborhood, a bedroom with clouds painted on the ceiling and a tree house in the backyard. Transitioning independent readers will enjoy getting to know the unnamed narrator and watching his attitude progress as Larry changes from "a used dog" to "my dog." And they will definitely find themselves wishing for a Labracadabra of their very own. (Fiction. 6-9)

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August 1, 2011

K-Gr 2-Zach has always wanted a dog, but when his parents fulfill his wish, he is not completely happy with his new pet, who is a mixed breed with "a little bit of everything." Then Larry wins Zach's affection by exhibiting some seemingly magical qualities. When he wags his tail wildly, a bully leaves Zach alone, an angry bee is sent flying out of a car window, the boy is awakened just in time to attend a birthday party, and rainbows sprout in swimming-pool spray. Although readers might question that Larry's tail has actual magical properties, by book's end there is no doubt about the pair's devotion to one another. This short, humorous chapter book is ideal for newly independent readers. Melmon's black-and-white illustrations deliver an additional comical tone.-Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

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