"The Trouble with Dogs..." Said Dad
The popular Let's Get A Pup! Said Kate (2001) gets a sequel. The story picks up some months after big dog Rosy and little dog Dave have joined the family. Placid Rosy has settled in nicely, but Dave is joyful. Make that exuberant. Out of control. So when the family sees a notice for pup training, they sign on. But the trainer, known as the Brigadier, is much sterner than the family expects. And though his firm voice and jerk of a chain gets Dave to obey, he loses some of his zip after the training. In a feel-good ending (that doesn't make much sense), the Brigadier decides that the family is right and that dogs should be spoken to in softer voices, thus leaving Dave to go merrily on his way. The story is slight, and without the heartfelt emotion of the previous book, but the watercolor pictures are just as enjoyable, with spot art and aerial views adding interest. The thoroughly contemporary family (mom has a tattoo) are flummoxed by Dave's behavior, but they, like the audience, will find it hard not to ooh and aah at his antics. Cooper, Ilene--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.