Be Careful What You Sniff For

Gr 2–4—Sparky is a rambunctious pup who breaks things while running around the house, digs holes in the yard, and tries to stay in the good graces of his person, Josh. In one confusing scene, Sparky is transported with a "Kaboom!" from his backyard to England. Later, readers learn that he wound up in London after chewing on a magic bone. He has a series of madcap adventures that include urinating in front of Buckingham Palace and landing in the midst of a picnic, where he gobbles sausages and overturns plates of food. A dogcatcher takes him to a pound, where he escapes and is transported back to Josh. Detailed illustrations capture the action in this early chapter book. Some readers may enjoy the slapstick plot and the sights of London described from a dog's perspective, but those who liked the realistic conflict infused with magic in Krulik's "Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo" series (Grosset & Dunlap) will long for a bit more substance in this offering.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI