From the Publisher
This perky, pet-centered tale takes readers inside the head of Fenway, an energetic and perpetually hopeful Jack Russell terrier with a deep love for food, intense hatred of squirrels, and undying adoration of his “small human,” Hattie. . . A fun, fresh frolic that animal-loving kids are sure to enjoy.” —Publishers Weekly
"Readers will relate to Fenway’s impulsivity and delight in descriptions from his dog’s-eye view. Teachers and adults will appreciate generous sprinklings of rich vocabulary." —School Library Journal
"Fenway may not understand Hattie’s behavior, but readers looking through his uncomprehending eyes will follow her ups and downs easily as she adjusts to the move. They’ll also wince in sympathy as she tries, with mixed success, to train, or even restrain, her barky, hyper, emotional pet." —Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
2015-11-03
Fenway, a young, exuberant Jack Russell terrier, is having lots of trouble getting his "short human," Hattie, to behave. The family's move from the city to the suburbs just complicates matters. First, there is the issue of the very slippery kitchen floor. After losing his footing the first time, Fenway refuses to venture out there again, even if it is the Eating Place. The backyard, which he perceives as an unpopulated Dog Park, is another issue, since nasty squirrels scamper through and Hattie climbs into a treehouse—squirrel house?—that he can't reach. The two neighbors next door, a couple of jaded dogs, don't improve things. Hattie is reluctantly learning to throw and catch a white ball in a big, fat glove and for some reason doesn't welcome his enthusiastic help. And finally, there is the issue of the big group of dogs Hattie keeps taking him to visit, with whom he must learn to sit in order to receive treats. Fenway's first-person point of view is appropriately frisky, even slightly berserk at times. But the jokes are used and then reused and begin to turn from funny into tedious repetition. More books in the series are promised; here's hoping some new doggy dilemmas will emerge. Young dog lovers will enjoy Fenway's point of view, even if his eagerness wears a bit thin. (Fiction. 8-10)
