Labracadabra

K-Gr 2—Zach has always wanted a dog, but when his parents fulfill his wish, he is not completely happy with his new pet, who is a mixed breed with "a little bit of everything." Then Larry wins Zach's affection by exhibiting some seemingly magical qualities. When he wags his tail wildly, a bully leaves Zach alone, an angry bee is sent flying out of a car window, the boy is awakened just in time to attend a birthday party, and rainbows sprout in swimming-pool spray. Although readers might question that Larry's tail has actual magical properties, by book's end there is no doubt about the pair's devotion to one another. This short, humorous chapter book is ideal for newly independent readers. Melmon's black-and-white illustrations deliver an additional comical tone.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI