Dogfight

Gr 2–4—It's 1916 in Europe, and the dogs and cats are at war. Claude D'Bonair, the dashing young pilot of CAT (Cats Allied Troops), heads off on a mission into DOGZ (Dog Obedience Governed Zone) to rescue famous fallen and captured pilot Major Ginger Tom. With the dogs as stand-ins for the Germans and the cats representing the Allied forces, there's the barest hint of World War I history in this fast-moving, hilarious animal adventure. Bixley includes many clever nods to pop culture that may make adult readers chuckle more than kids, such as the name of Claude's sidekick, Syd Fishus. Plenty of jokes balance the action-packed story line, while black-and-white cartoon art graces almost every page. Readers will enjoy delving into the many maps, charts, and pun-filled humor. This new series starter will appeal to both newly independent readers and slightly older reluctant readers looking for something unique.