The Pet War

September 30, 2013
Eleven-year-old Otto’s longing for a dog turns into a case of sibling rivalry when his older sister, Lexi, declares she wants a cat. The competition is on after their mother (not a fan of pets) gives them a challenge: whoever can earn $500 in a month will get the pet of his or her choice. Although Woodrow’s (the Zachery Ruthless series) lively novel begins promisingly, Otto’s series of moneymaking disasters are fairly one-note, with his carelessness torpedoing his efforts to become an “apple tycoon,” sell homemade cookies, and run a dog-walking service. In addition, Otto’s personality (he’s described by a peer as an “inconsiderate, egomaniacal, narcissistic turd brain”) can be off-putting—though not unrealistic—especially when he’s begging family members and strangers for money. Predictably, Otto learns a lesson about acting generously and responsibly, but the sacrifice he makes in the end is a little too abrupt and altruistic to be believable. Nonetheless, many readers will identify with Otto’s yearning for a pet and his frustrations with his all-too-perfect sister. Ages 8–12. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary & Media.

October 1, 2013
In a tale that will have readers begging for closure, brother and sister are pitted against each other in a contest to get the pet of their dreams: Otto wants a dog; Lexi, a cat. According to the steep terms their mother sets, the first one to make $500 throughout the month of March wins. Otto narrates in an authentic kid voice--oblivious and self-centered--earning many laughs if not cash in the beginning with his bumbling efforts. Luckily, he has his best friend, business-savvy Malcolm, to help him brainstorm and get organized. Indeed, readers will come away with great ideas on how to make money, plus information about business skills such as accounting, marketing and time management. Too bad Otto proves to be so frustratingly obtuse. The plot begins to stretch thin despite numerous side dramas such as his guilt over stealing some of his sister's money, a friendship in peril, declining grades and the threatened loss of a coveted position on the soccer team. After another, more serious mishap due to his carelessness, Otto realizes he's lost, has an honest conversation with Lexi and gives her his earnings. Although this makes for a tidy ending, Otto's sudden perspicacity and change of heart feel unconvincing. Despite its flaws, children desperate for a pet may dig in. (Fiction. 8-12)

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November 1, 2013

Gr 4-6-Otto, 11, pleads with his mother for a dog, while his sister, Lexi, 12, is insistent on getting a cat. The siblings go to extremes in making their case of why they should get their choice of pet; their mother wants to know who will pay for everything. Lexi takes a more practical approach in her efforts to get a cat, earning money by tutoring her peers, making charts, and educating herself on what having a cat entails. With Otto's zany methods, high jinks ensue throughout the story. He consistently comes up with new schemes from car washing to selling apples to dog walking to make money. These ideas usually end in disaster and costing him money. The children learn that being responsible is not always fun, or easy. Readers will relate to the sibling rivalry as well as the antics the youngsters go through as they try to one up the other. The story is a bit repetitive, but comical nonetheless. Otto is a humorous protagonist whose narrative will keep readers amused. Pet lovers will enjoy this entertaining story.-Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2013
Grades 4-6 Siblings Otto and Lexi want a pet, but that is as far as their agreement on anything goes. Otto wants a dog, and Lexi wants a cat. Their mother is not sure either of themespecially Ottois ready for pet ownership, but after impassioned pleas from both, she agrees to let them compete to decide if it will be a dog or a cat as the family pet. Each has a month to raise $500; at the end of the month, whoever has collected the money gets to make the decision. If they get into trouble or let their grades slip, then they will be disqualified. Lexi, a straight-A student, sets up a tutoring business and then a sign-making business. Otto, after several disastrous attempts, starts a dog-walking business. He tries to be responsible, but his nature does not make it easy. Who will win? Although narrated by Otto, Woodrow's humorous novel has both boy and girl reader appeal.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)