Dex: The Heart of a Hero

Not a bird, not a plane, but a super-determined dachshund named Dexter steals the show in the Buehners' (Snowmen at Night) picture book. Short of stature, Dex endures rude indifference or energetic taunting from the other pooches in the neighborhood as well as the bullying ringleader, a tomcat named Cleevis. But deep inside, Dex believes he has the heart of a hero, just like the characters in comic books and movies. The humble pup embarks on a rigorous training regimen and mail-orders a hero suit-complete with cape-to go along with his new buff body and attitude. Soon Dex's helpful feats earn him respect, gratitude and happiness-and the opportunity to show Cleevis how it's done. Caralyn Buehner's feel-good tale has a triumphal, never-smug tone that will strike a chord with underdogs everywhere. Mark Buehner infuses his velvety oil paintings with characteristic humor and warmth. He adds a few dashes of comic-book-style text blocks and panel art to underscore the superhero theme. Scenes of Dex flexing his muscles, panting during his sidewalk runs or sporting his green-and-red superdog outfit are laugh-out-loud funny. Elsewhere, shady brownstone stoops and colorful city storefronts and streets add extra flair to this dynamic effort. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 3-Dexter the dachshund is an underdog-literally. Cleevis the tomcat enjoys demonstrating how he can stand right over Dex and not even ruffle his fur. What the pooch lacks in size, however, he makes up for in determination, and when he decides to stop just dreaming of being a hero and devote his life to becoming one, he is unstoppable. The first step on his journey is the library, where the poodle who assists him is wearing glasses and sports what looks suspiciously like a bun. He sets himself a strict exercise regime, pushing himself to the limit: "Even at bedtime, when he wanted to flop on the rug with his tongue hanging out, Dex forced himself to circle five extra times." He finally achieves his goal (his muscle-man poses are priceless), dons a Superdog suit, and proceeds to use his hard-earned prowess for the good of all. When he eventually comes to the rescue of a stranded Cleevis, a new partnership is formed with "twice the brains and triple the brawn." The story line may be a bit predictable, but the Buehners' considerable talents render it fresh and funny. The author has created a lovable and memorable character in the endearing and stalwart Dex, and the illustrator's retro-style artwork is charming. As in Fanny's Dream (Dial, 1996), he has added to the fun by hiding cats, rabbits, and even a Tyrannosaurus rex in the clouds and shadows. This dynamic combination of heart and humor should not be missed.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Mark Buehner's energetic illustrations.are full of bright colors and humorous details." — Washington Post