Good Boy, Fergus!

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Overview

Meet Fergus, the canine star of the upcoming book from Caldecott Honor artist David Shannon. Much like Shannon's beloved characters, David and Alice, the adorable Fergus is always getting in trouble!

Follow Fergus as he experiences the perfect doggy day--well, except for his bath, of course! From chasing cats and motorcycles to being scratched on his favorite "tickle spot," David Shannon's newest sweet and silly character will inspire young readers to laugh out loud at his mischievous antics. Fans of Shannon's previous books will love reading all about this naughty but lovable dog!

Editorial Reviews

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Although readers have to look closely to find him, David Shannon's family dog, Fergus, puts in an Alfred Hitchcock-styled cameo appearance in all of the author's bestselling picture books. Now the willful little Westie gets star billing in his own story, a charming canine caper that captures the essence of this highly independent terrier breed. It's hard to say what will tickle readers more: Fergus's shenanigans or his pushover owner's enabling behavior. (Parental advisory: Be prepared for kids to ratchet up the "Can we get a dog?" refrain!)

Publishers Weekly

Judging from his picture-book repertoire, Shannon (No, David!) knows well how exuberant types tend to get into trouble. His buoyant new work keeps the streak going, this time depicting the spunky, yet ever-so-natural behavior of a family dog (the Shannon family in fact-Fergus the West Highland terrier has appeared somewhere in all of Shannon's books). The morning routine is off to a good start when Fergus's partially seen owner lets him out, but things quickly take a turn: "Ready... set... Cat!" A feline sighting sends Fergus into a frenzy and, once outside, the pepped-up pooch will not come back in. (A hand-lettered page of the owner's verbal entreaties is a hoot.) Digging up a potted plant, getting a bath, taking a fur-fluffing spin in the car and begging for scraps at the table round out Fergus's fun-filled day (and reveal the unseen owner as a true pushover). Through it all, he's commended with "Good boy, Fergus!" Shannon's mixed-media illustrations, in the style of his David books, crackle with personality. Fergus's expressions and poses will be both funny and familiar to dog lovers, and the predominantly close-up perspective offers an immediacy that makes readers feel included in every second of the tail-wagging action. Paws down, Fergus is one memorable pooch. Ages 3-6. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

More Reviews (3) Fewer Reviews

Children's Literature

Fergus, a white terrier, begins his day when his owner asks him, "Want to go out?" After chasing cats, ignoring his owner's commands, playing in the dirt, and eating flowers, Fergus continues to disobey and yet still receives praise and treats that reward his bad behavior. When Fergus's owner attempts to eat spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, he tells Fergus not to beg. To discourage Fergus' begging, his naive owner gives him a meatball, which prompts the dog to bark out various commands to his owner. Fergus decides when to ride in a car, when to go on a walk, and when to eat, effectively communicating each of these desires to his owner. Fergus turns his nose up when he gets a bowl of plain dog food and waits until his owner applies a thick, creamy layer of whipped cream to it. This humorous, ironic picture book is nonstop funny because of the way it reverses roles, putting Fergus in the position of training his owner. The big, bold words and colorful illustrations in this picture book make it an easy read. The vibrant illustrations effectively interpret what the words are saying on the page. Readers and pre-readers alike will enjoy this fun, adventurous, picture book as much as Shannon's "David" books. Reviewer: Katie Patrick

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-Reading this story is like having a romp with the funniest dog in town. As the book opens, two lines of text ("Good morning, Fergus!/Want to go out?") frame the irrepressible face of a furry white terrier, black button eyes glistening with excitement. Subsequent pages feature the pup's adventures chasing cats and motorbikes, scratching and being scratched, playing in the dirt, begging for meatballs, and riding in the car. No matter what the animal does, his master's refrain is-you guessed it. Readers see everything from a terrier-sized perspective, and they rarely see anyone but Fergus. When he is trampling his owner to request a walk, they catch just a glimpse of a human face. The motorcyclist's face is so covered with gear as to be generic. The more intimate portraits here are of things of interest to Fergus-spaghetti and meatballs, for example, or the whipped cream that he likes on his kibble. Shannon's artwork is like an overstuffed sofa: colorful, homey, and bouncy. A riotous book to unleash on all readers-even those who own cats.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Fergus is a West Highland terrier, an irrepressibly charming canine based on the real-life pet of the author, who clearly knows a thing or two about mischievous main characters. In this offering, the unnamed narrator (an adult male) attempts to discipline his dog, Fergus, who could be a shaggy version of No, David! (1998), but the little pup clearly has the upper hand in the household. The owner tells Fergus what to do, but each time the dog does just as he pleases until the owner caves in, rewarding Fergus with the refrain, "Good boy, Fergus!" Readers see Fergus right at his level as he goes through his day and at each activity finds a new sort of mischief or a new way to be pampered by his adoring owner. Preschoolers will enjoy the large-format full of over-sized text and hysterical pictures of the disobedient dog who gets his way every time, right down to holding out for whipped cream on top of his dog food. Yes, Fergus! (Picture book. 3-6)

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780439490276
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date: 3/1/2006
Pages: 40
Sales rank: 87,899
Age range: 3 - 5 Years
Product dimensions: 8.68 (w) x 11.16 (h) x 0.36 (d)

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Anonymous

Posted February 15, 2010

I Also Recommend:

Funny book for all ages

Good Boy Fergus is a great read aloud. The illustration are fun and the story is hiliarious. My toddler and my 8 year old enjoy this book.
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Anonymous

Posted September 29, 2006

I laughesd so hard I cried!

We have Cairn Terriers, which are the brown and blond version of a Westie. This book captured our dog's personalities to a tee. I think this book was hilarious. My husband wants to e-mail David Shannon to tell him how great he thought the book was. Every page made me think of my dogs. Chevy chases anything that has a motor (especially motorcycles and mopeds) and Cari enjoys 'eating' our cats (it just looks like she's eating them, she is actually only nibbling). Anway...What a hoot!
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Anonymous

Posted April 15, 2006

Jana, A Westie owner

The illustrations are wonderful. David Shannon captures the true essence of a Westie! A fun read for a Westie lover, young or old.
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Anonymous

Posted February 7, 2006

An instant classic!

I teach Kindergarten, and my students can't get enough of this book! I bought it last week and they are begging me to read it to them every day. The illustrations a great, and David Shannon has truly captured life with a dog. I love this book!
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Anonymous

Posted January 30, 2006

Adorable

This book is great for kids who have a puppy. It's so true for any puppy owner and the illustrations are great. I especially the dog's facial expressions. It's easy to read and funny.
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Posted August 7, 2011

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Posted December 20, 2008

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Good Boy, Fergus!

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Editorial Reviews

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Funny book for all ages

I laughesd so hard I cried!

Jana, A Westie owner

An instant classic!

Adorable