by Emily Ecton (Author) David Mottram (Illustrator)
Ocean's Eleven meets The Secret Life of Pets in this hilarious and delightfully illustrated novel following a ragtag group of pets who will do whatever it takes to avoid being sent to the pound.
Butterbean knew she wasn't always a good dog. Still, she'd never considered herself a BAD dog--until the morning that her owner, Mrs. Food, fell in the hallway. Admittedly the tile was slipperier than usual, mostly because Butterbean had just thrown up on it.
Now Butterbean and her fellow pets have to come up with a grand plan to support themselves in case Mrs. Food is unable to keep taking care of them. When they discover a mysterious man in their building who seems to have lots of loot, they plan a heist. Oscar the mynah bird is the brains of the operation. Walt the cat has the necessary slyness and slink. Marco and Polo are the reconnaissance rats. And Butterbean...well, no one would ever suspect a cute little wiener dog, right? Can these animal friends can pull off the heist of the century?
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Bantering dialogue, the distinct personalities of the pets (expressively illustrated by Mottram), and the whimsical premise make for an exciting caper.... Hilarious but haphazard.
Gr 3-6--This cute tale about five household pets in a New York City apartment revolves around their plan to pull off a heist and become "independently wealthy" after their owner is taken away for a medical emergency. Teaming up with ventilation system rats, a lonely girl, and a crafty octopus, they set their sights on a frightening neighbor and his stash of unusual coins. Ecton creates a strong personality for each animal, from the hyper dog Butterbean to the know-it-all bird Oscar, and pet lovers will be sure to enjoy the banter between them. Some plot elements involving the humans are a little less fleshed out and stretch plausibility, leading the book's resolution to feel rushed; but this will be easily overlooked by those who enjoy the pets' adventures. Adorable illustrations from Mottram help readers visualize the characters and add an appealing visual element. VERDICT A story sure to charm children who like to imagine what their beloved pets are up to when they are away. Purchase for fiction collections that serve patrons who enjoy animal-centric stories.--Katie McBride Moench, New Glarus Middle and High School Library, WI
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