Amy and the Missing Puppy

November 26, 2012
Themes of friendship and the love of animals pair comfortably in the leadoff title of the Critter Club series. When elementary-schooler Amy’s three best friends disperse for spring break, Amy delves into her new Nancy Drew book while working the front desk at her mother’s veterinary clinic. Inspired by Nancy’s clue gathering, Amy hones her own sleuthing skills when one of her mother’s patients, a Saint Bernard puppy, disappears. The mystery is light—a trail of fresh paw prints makes it obvious the dog hasn’t wandered far—but Amy’s plan to retrieve the runaway pup reveals sharp thinking. The puppy’s grateful owner recruits Amy and her friends to help her open an animal shelter in her barn, which they name the Critter Club, setting the stage for future escapades. Despite a few clichés (“Light bulbs went off in her head”), Barkley’s writing is crisp, with punchy dialogue, concise sentences, and a swift pace. Large type and ample artwork make this a fine fit for beginning readers. Final art not seen by PW. Simultaneously available: All About Ellie. Ages 5–7. Illustrator’s agent: Teresa Kietlinski, Prospect Agency.

April 1, 2013

Gr 1-3-These beginning chapter books chronicle the adventures of bookish Amy, theatrical Ellie, artistic Liz, and horse-loving Marion. While the eight-year-olds have varied interests and come from diverse families, they're as close as sisters, and they all look forward to their weekly slumber parties. In Ellie, the title character is cast as the lead in the school play, and her friends don't appreciate her self-centered attitude-especially when she neglects her duties at the animal shelter. In the end, a heartfelt apology and a heroic effort toward the shelter's residents win back her friends. In Puppy, Amy helps her veterinarian mother locate a lost pet belonging to a crabby elderly woman who ends up being friendlier than anyone suspected. The woman donates a building to establish an animal shelter, which Amy and her friends help run. Simple, upbeat plots, plenty of black-and-white illustrations, and relatable themes make these great picks for newly independent readers.-Amanda Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, Madison, WI

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