Doggo and Pupper

January 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.

April 1, 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

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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)

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Starred review from March 15, 2021
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* Doggo likes his life. He keeps busy with predictable tasks, like taking naps and stalking bugs, and he's happy that way. Unfortunately, his humans think he needs something to pep up his days, which leads to the arrival of Pupper, an endlessly energetic, question-asking, trouble-causing furball. Doggo's not the only one who misses the calm, pre-Pupper days, and it isn't long before the fellow is sent to charm school. When he returns, he is a calm, obedient Pupper who keeps busy with predictable tasks. Sound familiar? Doggo rethinks what he appreciates about Pupper, and he works with friend Cat to bring back Pupper's playfulness, sparking Doggo's inner child, erm, puppy in the process. 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 and often use white backdrops to offer new readers visual aids and remove distractions. A winning new series.

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