FICTION

Stay!: A Top Dog Story

by Alex LATIMER
illus. by Alex Latimer. 32p. Peachtree. Sept. 2015. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781561458844.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—Ben thinks that Buster is "the best dog in the whole world," but illustrations tell another story. When his parents decide to go on a vacation and leave Buster with Grandpa, Ben writes and draws many notes to let Grandpa know about Buster's needs and preferences, such as "Belly tickles, dog biscuits with peanut butter [and] sleeping on Dad's pillow." While on vacation Ben sends postcards for further information. Fluent readers will enjoy reading the notes, looking at the postcards, and deciphering some notes, which are partially concealed. The engaging images are bold and energetic with lots of detail. While Ben is away, Grandpa begins to train Buster and readers will enjoy seeing the results.
VERDICT A wonderful follow-up to Charise Mericle Harper's Henry's Heart (Holt, 2011) and a great companion to Mark Teague's Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School (Scholastic, 2002)—and a welcome addition to most picture book collections.
Reviewed by Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
Ben goes on vacation with his parents, leaving devoted-but-destructive dog Buster with Grampa. Ben's notes and postcards provide Grampa with dog-care tips, but he forgets the most important one: "Never take Buster to the post office!" Boy and dog's reunion is touching and, thanks to some dog-training, disaster-free. Dynamic cartoonlike illustrations are well matched with the humorous text (complete with fart jokes).
 , Aug 01, 2015

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