April 1, 2021
An unlikely dog becomes the star of a popular dog adventure television show in this series opener. Fred the dog is a "bitzer. A little bit of this, a little bit of that." He idolizes Dog Squad, a television show featuring live-action dogs in daring escapades, and its canine leading star, Duke. Since Fred's original owner dumped him at an animal shelter, he's been living in New York City with Big Tony, who hopes to turn him into a ferocious guard dog and sell him for a big profit. An alley confrontation lands Fred back in the animal shelter, but this time he's rescued by entertainment industry animal trainer Jenny Yen and her young niece (and self-proclaimed pet psychic), Abby. Ideal for reluctant readers with its short chapters, energetic illustrations, plentiful action, and "pawsome" puns, this light fantasy follows Fred, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Duke, as he adopts the starring role in Dog Squad when Duke becomes injured. But does this unassuming dog have what it takes to be a hero both on and off the camera when a natural disaster, a dognapper, and more disasters strike? Teamwork from Abby and co-stars help guide the way and set the scene for more installments. An author's note touchingly describes the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series creator's source of inspiration: his own Fred, a formerly stray, retired Broadway canine star. Doggone fun. (Animal fiction. 8-12)
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April 15, 2021
Grades 3-5 A shelter dog chosen to serve as temporary substitute for an injured TV star proves that a noble heart trumps good looks every time. Though he misses his first chance at stardom when Broadway hip-hop musical Washington closes after one night, Fred refuses to throw away his shot to act the heroic lead in Dog Squad while the streaming series' original prima donna, Duke, recovers from a broken leg. Not only is Fred a natural on set, in real life he saves babies and puppies and, in a display of true altruism, sets out to rescue Duke from abusive trainer Big Tony Bomboloni. Aside from that stereotyping gaffe, the human and canine supporting cast is an appealing mix of rivals and sidekicks. In frequent ink-and-fill scenes (not seen in finished form), Hughes depicts the courageous canine (part boxer, part hound, "part who knows what") in action from various dramatic angles. Grabenstein bills his "wags-to-riches" tale as a series kickoff, but notwithstanding a broad hint about the next episode, this stands (all four paws) firmly on its own.
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May 1, 2021
Gr 4-6-Grabenstein's hilarious series starter begs readers to explore what it means to be a hero. Presented in third person, the story chronicles a dog's journey from famine to fame. Left behind by his owners, Fred must fend for himself. Along the way, he encounters breeds kind and cruel at a city shelter, a Broadway performance, and Second Chance Ranch, where Jenny and Abby train strays to become stars for the popular Dog Squad television series featuring famous canine idols Duke, Nala, and Scruffy. As a mixed-breed dog, Fred faces identity challenges. He looks exactly like the real Duke in the show, but he thinks he's just an average pup. When Fred finally meets the real Duke, he reconsiders his assumptions. Rendered in tight, snappy prose, each chapter builds a narrative arc that leaves readers wondering what will happen next. The tone is humorous, and characters are similar to the kids whom readers might encounter. Laced with positive messages but never preachy, this allegorical, fast-paced, rollicking adventure will appeal to all readers. VERDICT Through expertly paced conflict and characterization, this canine adventure shows what it means to be brave.-Jennifer Strattman, Freelance Writer, Cambridge, NY
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