Percy, Dog of Destiny

PreS-Gr 1--Percy, the Dog of Destiny, is on his way to the dog park with his ball and friends Molly, Fluffy, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie in tow. When they finally hit the park (sans leashes), they run along the fence, sniff everything in sight, dig holes, and pee on trees. Readers quickly learn the canines' personalities while watching them play with their favorite objects: Molly and her kerchief, Cookie and her Frisbee, large Fluffy and his bone, and Percy and HIS BALL. A refrain notes each time Percy's big and absurdly named friend does something differently (resting with feet up, sniffing flowers, communing with ducklings), but when a crafty, weasel-like squirrel distracts the group long enough to steal Percy's precious ball, it's Fluffy who unexpectedly manages to leave his bone long enough for a ball-saving leap. Simple art in pencil and digital paint with a variation of fonts creates an uncluttered flow for the action of the characters and opportunities for inference in a tale for those who love their four-legged canine friends.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Percy, a perky black-and-white dog whose tail is in a perpetual state of motion, recounts his adventure at the dog park in this chipper picture book. "Dog park? What ho!" he shouts as his human dangles a leash in front of him. With his favorite toy ball clamped in his mouth, Percy meets up with his pals--large and lumbering Fluffy, elegant poodle Molly, and spotted dachshund Oatmeal Raisin Cookie--for their playtime routine. While Fluffy can't seem to do anything quite right ("Oh, Fluffy" is a repeated refrain as the dog lolls around instead of "streak along the fence" or sniffs flowers instead of... his friends), he comes through when Percy loses his ball to an aggressive squirrel. Using punchy, dramatic exclamations, McGhee (Tell Me a Tattoo Story) humorously creates an imagined inner dialogue of a high-energy pet ("Little porkie pie! Sweet poopsie muffin, come to papa!" Percy cries as he gets his ball back), and Mann's (Sam and Jump) breezy portraits will be familiar to anyone who's spent even a little time around dogs in action. Ages 4-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Mar.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Percy is a bright-eyed dog...(who) plays with his canine pals at the dog park, culminating in an encounter with a feisty, ball stealing squirrel. He narrates the story with just a few words and a snappy attitude, using witty expressions. Minimalist, digitally produced illustrations...compliment the sophisticated tone of the text..' —Kirkus Reviews

This exuberant story is perfect for the preschool set, who will love the dogs' antics and Percy's peppy personality. The minimal text and energetic, digitally colored pencil illustrations...will ensure that listeners' attentions never stray.' —Booklist

Percy...recounts his adventure at the dog park in this chipper picture book...McGhee humorously creates an imagined inner dialogue of a high-energy pet...and Mann's breezy portraits will be familiar to anyone who's spent even a little time around dogs in action.' —Publishers Weekly

Percy, the Dog of Destiny, is on his way to the dog park with his ball and friends...Readers quickly learn the canines' personalities while watching them play...Simple art in pencil...creates an uncluttered flow for the action of the characters...in a tale for those who love their four-legged canine friends...A dog lovers' delight...' —School Library Journal