Happy Howlidays

October 7, 2019
Junior, the garrulous canine star of Dog Diaries: A Middle School Story, makes the most of his “first-ever Howliday Season” in his festive and funny second outing. He celebrates the spirit of “Fangsgiving” by offering the “baldy bird” a gift—a plastic toy he sneaks into its cavity—necessitating a menu change from turkey to takeout pizza (“Yep... I’m pretty sure I actually saved the day”). As “Critter-mess” approaches, Junior’s exuberance escalates and his rat-a-tat monologue accelerates as he shares his comical perspectives on holiday traditions: “The happy-looking red guy” is named “Saint Lick and he lives up a pole someplace”; and, enthusiastically crooning with his humans on a street corner, he observes, “I have no idea who Carol is or why we’re singing to her, but I think it’s going to be a humdinger of a night.” A Junior-orchestrated Christmas Eve debacle crowns this jolly, energetically illustrated jaunt for readers fond of doggy puns. Ages 7–12.

August 1, 2019
Following series opener Dog Diaries (2018), Junior, a dog of huge enthusiasm but not much sense, is back for a second romp with his ever so tolerant owner, "Ruff." It's time for the howlidays, including Fangsgiving and, of course, Critter-Mess-Day, the one that features the mysterious Saint Lick! Junior's take on these events3/4all of them new to him since he's recently been adopted from the pet shelter--is pretty funny. The story consists nearly entirely of his lively encounters with novel holiday-related stuff and his doggy interpretation of what he discovers, quite likely to appeal to children's funny bones. All of this silliness is presented in first-dog narration in diary format, in large, clear print on pages that overflow with rollicking illustrations that are perfectly matched to the text. There is little in the way of plot or character development, just a series of silly episodes climaxing in Junior's extremely thorough booby-trapping of the entire house to fend off Saint Lick since he's heard the jolly fellow leaves "presents" all over the world--and everyone knows what those are: poop! Although his efforts leave the house flooded, toilet paper strewn everywhere and an angry family, Junior is proud of his accomplishment: no "presents." Ruff (actually Rafe) is Armenian. The tale concludes with a helpful glossary of Doglish terms and several pages of games and drawing instruction. Absurd and wacky but also fast-paced and good-humored. Ho, ho, HO! (Fantasy. 7-10)

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