Lulu Walks the Dogs

July 15, 2012
The second hilarious episode to feature feisty Lulu (Lulu and the Brontosaurus, 2010), who almost always gets what she wants. This time, what Lulu wants is so outrageous that her mother and father tell her she is going to have to earn the money for it herself, so Lulu hatches a business plan to earn the money by walking dogs. It turns out, however, that Lulu is a dismal failure at dog walking. Enter Fleischman, Lulu's goody-goody, smarty-pants, neat-as-a-button, uber-helpful and incredibly annoying neighbor. He can certainly help Lulu with her dog-walking scheme. The question is whether spoiled, prideful Lulu can stand him long enough to let him. Smith's droll illustrations interspersed throughout the text add to the humor and developing conflict by playfully emphasizing the differences between Lulu and Fleischman and creatively dramatizing their most interesting moments. Unfortunately, Viorst's numerous authorial asides--in which the narrator insists on control of the storyline and stops for brief question-and-answer sessions with readers--come across as more confusing than clever because the voice and personality of the narrator are almost indistinguishable from Lulu's. Nonetheless, the short, funny chapters, over-the-top characters and engaging artwork will give this one plenty of appeal, especially to kids just venturing into chapter-book territory. (Fiction. 6-10)

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October 1, 2012

Gr 3-5-In this sequel to Lulu and the Brontosaurus (S & S, 2010), the incorrigible Lulu, oft indulged by her parents, is desperate for ways to make money to pay for a mysterious something that they absolutely cannot afford. Rejecting their suggestions to do helpful chores for people as their annoyingly well-behaved neighbor Fleischman does, Lulu settles on dog walking and quickly gathers three customers. But she hasn't anticipated that walking Brutus, Pookie, and Cordelia together is not the cinch she thought it would be, and she reluctantly accepts help from Fleischman. As these polar opposites devise strategies to bring the canines under control, they also take steps to overcome their mutual animosity, and a sort-of friendship develops. When Lulu's secret desire is revealed in a Q & A at story's end, it's clear they'll need to work together for a long time to come. The predictable plot takes a backseat to the hilarious narration with much editorial wisecracking and frequent asides directed to readers. The story moves along quickly, variations in page layout and typeface add interest, and Smith's stylized black-and-white drawings are a big part of the fun. A perfect choice for transitional readers.-Marie Orlando, fomerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2012
Grades 2-4 Last seen demanding a dinosaur for a pet (Lulu and the Brontosaurus, 2010), my-way-or-the-highway Lulu is determined to raise the money she needs for a certain unnamed purchase. After her parents reject her logical pleading (example: they can save money by skipping the dentist!), she concocts a plan to raise cash as a dog walker. Oh, but there are problems. Each of her canine clientsBrutus, Pookie, and Cordeliahave idiosynchrasies she can't master. Enter the one person who can help: annoying brainiac goody-goody Fleischman. Will the tortures never end?! The highlights here are Viorst's constant authorial intrusions as she skips entire topics and chapters ( I really don't feel like discussing that right now ), offers Time-out Q&As for readers' inevitable questions, and provides the occasional encouragement ( hang in there, pleasethis sentence is long! ). The sarcastic, biting, self-aware tone never goes too far, and Lane's exaggerated pencil illustrations make readers feel every bit of Lulu's frustrationsand joys. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Take Viorst (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, 1972), add Lane (It's a Book, 2010), and you've got a recipe for serious interest from anyone who knows their kid lit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)