01/11/2021
Nudged by a new friend, an older dog rediscovers how to let loose in this goofy illustration-driven early reader, a series opener by Newbery Medalist Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) and Alder (Miss Mary Mack). “Girl walker,” “crumb eater,” “squirrel scolder”—Doggo leads a busy, if humdrum, life, though he sometimes misses his wild adolescence (panels show various exploits, including a freewheeling road trip). Mostly, though, he is “happy enough”—until his humans seek to add “zip and zing” to his existence. So arrives an exuberant young pooch called Pupper, who ties Doggo’s ears into knots, bounces on his belly, and keeps everyone awake with questions. When Pupper proves too rambunctious, the humans—pictured through a dog’s-eye point of view—send him to charm school. But while Pupper may be newly polite, he’s also only “happy enough” until Doggo takes charge, dragging him on a raucous adventure that meets both their needs, cementing a fabulous friendship and hinting at the antics to come. Applegate’s simple text and Alder’s comedic cartoons come together like a short animated film, just right for amusing early readers. Ages 6–9. (Mar.)
"Applegate’s series starter for the younger set utilizes wonderful humor and timing, deftly capturing the personalities and situations with easy accessibility. Alder’s colorful cartoon illustrations ramp up the silliness ... A winning new series." —Booklist, starred review
"Applegate’s simple text and Alder’s comedic cartoons come together like a short animated film, just right for amusing early readers." —Publishers Weekly
"Alder’s bark-out-loud illustrations are cartoon-like and colorful.... The text is spaced to train a young reader’s eyes to scan from the top of the page to bottom. Containing seven short chapters, this tale is a great match for children on the path to chapter books." —School Library Journal
"The start of a beautiful canine friendship....This sweet, seven-chapter early-reader series opener employs simple language, with several short sentences per page and lots of dialogue, to bring these close friends and their fun adventures to endearing life; young readers will be charmed. The colorful illustrations that combine collage and digital techniques are lively and expressive." —Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Wishtree:
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
A New York Times Notable Book, 2017
A National Public Radio Best Book of 2017
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Washington Post Best Book of 2017
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2017
San Francisco Chronicle 2017 Gift Guide
Los Angeles Times 2017 Gift Guide
Autumn 2017 Kids’ Indie Next List "Top Pick" Title
Winner, E.B. White Read Aloud Award
2018 ALSC/ALA Notable Children's Book
"A beautifully written, morally bracing story that will leave its imprint on a reader of any age." — The New York Times Book Review
"The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate’s graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts. Narration comes from Red, an enormous red oak near an elementary school that also serves as a “wishtree” for the neighborhood—once a year, residents deposit wishes in Red’s branches and hollows....Red’s openhearted voice and generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of observation. It’s a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Applegate introduces another quiet, resilient protagonist who — like the caged gorilla in The One and Only Ivan and the working-class boy in Crenshaw — speaks movingly to a noisy, fractious world." —The Washington Post
"The story’s wit and humor keep it from being heavy-handed, as do vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, the sarcastic crow who is Red’s best friend. This is a book made for family sharing and discussion."—Raleigh News & Observer
"A book to read that sends the right message." —Parents magazine
"Timely, necessary, and brimming with heart." —Booklist, starred review
"Newbery Award–winning author Applegate meets high expectations in this tale told by a tree named Red, a red oak who is “two hundred and sixteen rings old.” ... Another stunning effort from Applegate. This thoughtful read is a top choice for middle graders." —School Library Journal, starred review
"This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade, reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students. A deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and hope triumph." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This gentle yet powerful book is suitable for all ages...and its message remains more vital than ever." —BookPage
"Inspires hope for positive change. Perfect for a powerful classroom read, Wishtree is another winner for Applegate." —Voices of Youth Advocates, starred review
Praise for Crenshaw:
A New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
"This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child’s mind can soften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection of imagination and truth." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A compelling and unflinchingly honest treatment of a difficult topic." —School Library Journal, starred review
"The tone is warm and, occasionally, quirkily funny, but it doesn’t sugarcoat the effects of hunger and vulnerability." —The Horn Book, starred review
04/01/2021
Gr 1–3—In this new early reader series, Doggo is content with his predictable routine of eating, napping, going for walks, diving in the trash, and just generally being the dog of his house. Not everyone knows that with his role comes big responsibilities. Squirrel activity needs to be monitored, mail carriers should be greeted, small humans must be watched over, and yet Doggo still makes time for leisure and hobbies while the humans are away. Mistakenly worrying that Doggo is bored, his human brings home the very spunky Pupper. Pupper is playful, messy, and having a ball in his new home when the humans decide it is time for him to learn basic behavior at charm school. Returning home, Pupper is just not the same. He sits. He stays. Alder's bark-out-loud illustrations are cartoon-like and colorful, perfectly in step with the one to three sentences per page. The text is spaced to train a young reader's eyes to scan from the top of the page to bottom. Containing seven short chapters, this tale is a great match for children on the path to chapter books. VERDICT A recommended purchase for school and public libraries looking for engaging early readers sure to give children the giggles.—Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI
2022-10-12
The start of a beautiful canine friendship.
Brown, shaggy Doggo seems content with his “same old, same old,” “could have been worse” daily existence. His pal Cat keeps him company, and he stays busy with numerous jobs around the house. Though he’s sometimes nostalgic for the good old days when he was livelier and something of a risk taker, he tells himself he’s “happy enough.” The humans believe Doggo’s life needs shaking up, however. Cat agrees and points out the humans have an idea in mind. That jolt comes in the form of a rascally newcomer—rambunctious, reddish-brown Pupper. Seemingly nonstop activity and downright peskiness ensue. As a result, the humans develop another idea—charm school, which changes Pupper’s personality for the better—or does it? In fact, Pupper becomes so charmed that his demeanor changes. He’s not the high-spirited, nonstop-yapping firecracker of yore and settles into “same old, same old” routines himself, leading Doggo to take matters into his own paws and devise some clever ideas to shift the dynamic. This sweet, seven-chapter early-reader series opener employs simple language, with several short sentences per page and lots of dialogue, to bring these close friends and their fun adventures to endearing life; young readers will be charmed. The colorful illustrations that combine collage and digital techniques are lively and expressive. Though human faces aren’t seen, Doggo’s owners appear to be light-skinned.
Readers will enjoy going to the dogs with this one. (tips on puppies’ personalities, habits, and care) (Chapter book. 5-8)
