Doggo and Pupper (Doggo and Pupper #1)

Nudged by a new friend, an older dog rediscovers how to let loose in this goofy illustration-driven early reader, a series opener by Newbery Medalist Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) and Alder (Miss Mary Mack). "Girl walker," "crumb eater," "squirrel scolder"--Doggo leads a busy, if humdrum, life, though he sometimes misses his wild adolescence (panels show various exploits, including a freewheeling road trip). Mostly, though, he is "happy enough"--until his humans seek to add "zip and zing" to his existence. So arrives an exuberant young pooch called Pupper, who ties Doggo's ears into knots, bounces on his belly, and keeps everyone awake with questions. When Pupper proves too rambunctious, the humans--pictured through a dog's-eye point of view--send him to charm school. But while Pupper may be newly polite, he's also only "happy enough" until Doggo takes charge, dragging him on a raucous adventure that meets both their needs, cementing a fabulous friendship and hinting at the antics to come. Applegate's simple text and Alder's comedic cartoons come together like a short animated film, just right for amusing early readers. Ages 6-9. (Mar.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 1-3—In this new early reader series, Doggo is content with his predictable routine of eating, napping, going for walks, diving in the trash, and just generally being the dog of his house. Not everyone knows that with his role comes big responsibilities. Squirrel activity needs to be monitored, mail carriers should be greeted, small humans must be watched over, and yet Doggo still makes time for leisure and hobbies while the humans are away. Mistakenly worrying that Doggo is bored, his human brings home the very spunky Pupper. Pupper is playful, messy, and having a ball in his new home when the humans decide it is time for him to learn basic behavior at charm school. Returning home, Pupper is just not the same. He sits. He stays. Alder's bark-out-loud illustrations are cartoon-like and colorful, perfectly in step with the one to three sentences per page. The text is spaced to train a young reader's eyes to scan from the top of the page to bottom. Containing seven short chapters, this tale is a great match for children on the path to chapter books. VERDICT A recommended purchase for school and public libraries looking for engaging early readers sure to give children the giggles.—Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Applegate's series starter for the younger set utilizes wonderful humor and timing, deftly capturing the personalities and situations with easy accessibility. Alder's colorful cartoon illustrations ramp up the silliness ... A winning new series. —Booklist, starred review

Applegate's simple text and Alder's comedic cartoons come together like a short animated film, just right for amusing early readers. —Publishers Weekly

Alder's bark-out-loud illustrations are cartoon-like and colorful.... The text is spaced to train a young reader's eyes to scan from the top of the page to bottom. Containing seven short chapters, this tale is a great match for children on the path to chapter books. —School Library Journal

Praise for Wishtree:

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
A New York Times Notable Book, 2017
A National Public Radio Best Book of 2017
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Washington Post Best Book of 2017
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2017
San Francisco Chronicle 2017 Gift Guide
Los Angeles Times 2017 Gift Guide
Autumn 2017 Kids' Indie Next List Top Pick Title
Winner, E.B. White Read Aloud Award
2018 ALSC/ALA Notable Children's Book

A beautifully written, morally bracing story that will leave its imprint on a reader of any age. — The New York Times Book Review

The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate's graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts. Narration comes from Red, an enormous red oak near an elementary school that also serves as a "wishtree" for the neighborhood—once a year, residents deposit wishes in Red's branches and hollows....Red's openhearted voice and generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of observation. It's a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator. —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Applegate introduces another quiet, resilient protagonist who — like the caged gorilla in The One and Only Ivan and the working-class boy in Crenshaw — speaks movingly to a noisy, fractious world. —The Washington Post

The story's wit and humor keep it from being heavy-handed, as do vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, the sarcastic crow who is Red's best friend. This is a book made for family sharing and discussion.—Raleigh News & Observer

A book to read that sends the right message. —Parents magazine

Timely, necessary, and brimming with heart. —Booklist, starred review

Newbery Award-winning author Applegate meets high expectations in this tale told by a tree named Red, a red oak who is "two hundred and sixteen rings old." ... Another stunning effort from Applegate. This thoughtful read is a top choice for middle graders. —School Library Journal, starred review

This swiftly moving yet contemplative read is great for early middle grade, reluctant or tentative readers, or precocious younger students. A deceptively simple, tender tale in which respect, resilience, and hope triumph. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This gentle yet powerful book is suitable for all ages...and its message remains more vital than ever. —BookPage

Inspires hope for positive change. Perfect for a powerful classroom read, Wishtree is another winner for Applegate. —Voices of Youth Advocates, starred review

Praise for Crenshaw:

A New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller

This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child's mind can soften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection of imagination and truth. —Publishers Weekly, starred review

A compelling and unflinchingly honest treatment of a difficult topic. —School Library Journal, starred review

The tone is warm and, occasionally, quirkily funny, but it doesn't sugarcoat the effects of hunger and vulnerability. —The Horn Book, starred review