Dog Gone!

Gr 2–4—Billy and Jillian Crook want to be good Crooks instead of following in their dishonest parents' footsteps. They are being trained in the family business, so the twins must do their good deeds in secret. In the first book, their parents steal a monkey to train to pick pockets, much to the siblings' disapproval. In Dog Gone!, Billy and Jillian raise money for a dog shelter. However, their attempt to do something worthy goes wrong when their mom and dad plot to steal the TV star Poochie Smoochie. Using disguises, Jillian's problem-solving skills, and Billy's humor, the kids work together to return the stolen animals. Bizarre and comedic circumstances keep readers wondering what will happen next, and frequent black-and-white art adds to the fun. This humorous series will be a hit with early-chapter-book readers.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH