Say Hello to Zorro!

January 17, 2011
This stylish exploration of canine sibling rivalry gains from Goodrich's (The Hermit Crab) understated humor, sharp eye for the nuances of domestic relationships, and talent for painting lumpy sleeping dogs. Mister Bud—a hound of indeterminate breed with an enormous, moist snout—has something even more important than possessions. "He had his own schedule. And everybody stuck to the schedule." When a small pug named Zorro shows up at "Greet and Make a Fuss Time," backs arch and tempers rise. Goodrich's judicious use of one or two sentences per picture heightens the tension as the dogs clash. "Zorro had his own things, and he could be bossy," says one page; Zorro is in an armchair next to a ridiculous number of stuffed toys. "Mister Bud had his own things, and he could be grumpy," reads the next. Naturally the two become best friends, but don't look for childlike sincerity. Although kids may not immediately grasp the idea that Mister Bud's curmudgeonly habits symbolize the foibles that are likely to trip up human friendships, they will respond to Goodrich's polished comic timing. Ages 4–8.

February 1, 2011

Being a dog, Mr. Bud leads a dog's life. It is most gratifying: eat, walk, nap, nap, nap, eat, walk, movie, sleep—"and everybody stuck to the schedule. No exceptions." Then young Zorro, a pug, joins the family and threatens to make a hash of things. Zorro comes equipped with his own toys, his own moods and—forefend!—his own schedule, but it turns out to jibe with Mr. Bud's, and that common ground launches their friendship. Goodrich has a delightfully economical and humorous voice: trim yet filled with barely contained emotion—kind of like a dog. "One day, right at greet and make a fuss time... / there was a stranger. / And there was trouble" (the fateful confrontation takes place over three pages). In the background, in a lighter typeface, are the voices of humans, largely ignored. And the artwork is arresting, done in watercolors of enormous personality and quality. Mr. Bud is a mutt and mostly nose; Zorro is all face: expressive, raccoon eyes and a mouth that speaks volumes if not words. Goodrich catches them in classic dog behavior—supine with legs akimbo, charging out the door before it is fully open, expectant with chin on the edge of the bed—and he graces them with the kind of appeal that you really want to see them again. (Picture book. 4-8) 

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Starred review from March 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 1-Mr. Bud is a pup with a satisfying life and a wonderfully unwavering schedule. "1. Wake-up time/2. Biscuit, then a walk time/3. Nap time/4. Shift-position-and-nap-some-more time," etc. But one day, a new dog arrives during "Greet and make a fuss time." Equally particular about their toys and personal space, Zorro and Mr. Bud are immediately at odds-until they discover that they have the same exact routine. Goodrich's gently humorous tale is conveyed through a perfect pairing of well-spaced text and illustrations, resulting in just the right pace for young listeners. Generous white space focuses the eye on Goodrich's warmhearted watercolor illustrations, featuring amusing exaggerated proportions, from Mr. Bud's gigantic snout and wee legs to his tall but skinny house, and endearingly expressive canine faces. Often, the illustrations say it all. In one standout image, Zorro, a snarling bulldog, vigorously defends his comfy overstuffed chair and pile of cuddly toys, teeth bared and eyes wide. In another, Mr. Bud's long nose and Zorro's petite one peek curiously over a bedspread, the couple now totally in tandem. This neat little tale will appeal not only to dog fans, but also to families facing a wide variety of situations, from those with an overly particular child to those introducing a new routine or new family member. Mr. Bud and Zorro will make themselves at home in any collection.-Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

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