The Adventures of the Poodle Posse, (The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed!) [Paperback]

Chrysa Smith (Author, Editor), Pat Achilles (Illustrator)

Book Description

Second in the Adventures of the Poodle Posse series. Grab your beach ball and shovel and join the growing posse of mini poodles and their loving owner, Mrs. Flout, as they romp their way into the garden, down the shore and with a whole new host of furry friends that make managing the posse of poodles even more puzzling. Easy reader, suggested for grades 2-4, as a read aloud for younger children and for dog lovers of all ages. Book contains two illustrated and funny stories.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Chrysa Smith has a way with words and poodles. She has created three lovable dog personalities with top dog Woody, poodle princess Daisy and adventurous Archie, in adventures that young readers in grades two and three can enjoy. No Dogs Allowed is sure to be a hit with children, whether or not they have a pet.' --Leslie Clark, Children's Librarian, Ocean City Free Library, NJ

Woody, Archie and Daisy--three small poodles with big hearts that will steal yours in these two new adventures...In The Princess and the Frenchmen, the poodles realize that living together doesn't make a family, but their willingness to share does. In No Dogs Allowed, Woody makes his own discovery---having fun is possible in the most unlikely places. Pat Achilles' enchanting illustrations bring an old-fashioned charm that perfectly fits the mood of the stories.' --Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban, Author, Two Moon Princess

Wanting to read and associating reading with fun are two critical elements in developing a lifelong love of reading. In Book 2 of The Poodle Posse series, Chrysa Smith once again brings a delightful mix of poodles to life in the reader's imagination. Entering the world of the Poodle Posse is a fun and engaging journey for the young reader. --Diane Smith, Director, Roxy Reading Children's Program, PA

About the Author

Chrysa Smith spent the past two decades as a writer--copywriter, promotional writer, corporate communications writer and feature writer for various national and regional magazines. Her work has appeared in Pool & Spa Living, Philly Style, Bucks County Town & Country Living, Pennsylvania Magazine, The Cooperator and others. Since the publications of her new children's series, she now spends her days writing and talking about poodles with school children, visiting bookstores, hosting publishing seminars, blogging and teaching summer writing camps at Temple University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 44 pages
• Publisher: The Well Bred Book; First edition (September 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615289851
• ISBN-13: 978-0615289854
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,195,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

As a long-time feature magazine writer, I spent countless hours on my computer and phone; conducting interviews, doing research, pitching story ideas. It was only when I encountered a bit of downtime that I realized that my poodles were living a secret life; a life I had paid little attention to because of job and home demands; a life that was doggone funny. So, I did what any good wordsmith would do; I took out my pen and began to capture the adventures.

It took a few years of stop-and-go writing and editing, some children's writing classes (I had only written non-fiction)and chats with teachers, librarians, book people and friends, but the perseverance and learning curve were well worth it. I can honestly say, I love what I do.

In 2009, The Adventures of the Poodle Posse won a silver Mom's Choice Award in juvenile fiction, for excellence in family-friendly media. Through school visits, I made lots of new friends--both teachers and students who were enlisted to preview and help edit book #2 in the series, scheduled for release, fall 2009.

When not on tour with the book, I teach summer writing camps at Temple University and take part in seminars on the publishing process.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a charming set of stories with Mrs. Flout and her "posse" of poodles that youngsters will fall in love with!, January 9, 2011

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Adventures of the Poodle Posse, (The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed!) (Paperback)

The Princess and the Frenchmen

It had always been Mrs. Flout and her two little Frenchmen, Woody and Archie, but there was a new addition to the poodle family. When Princess Daisy, as she was dubbed by Mrs. Flout, arrived on the scene, the two men of the family felt out of place with all the attention she was getting. Woody, who used to love to sit in his "comfy, green chair, found himself on the floor when Daisy took over his spot. When it was time for bed, the both of them were very uncomfortable when she gave them a most "unladylike" snarl when she decided that the pillow was *the* best spot for a princess.

It was obvious that "Mrs. Flout fell totally in love with Princess Daisy" and she was going to spoil her rotten. It just didn't seem the same and when anything was "broken, torn, misplaced or eaten," guess who was to blame? Yep, it was Woody and Archie. Woody said, "I must come up with a plan," but what would it be? Very soon the plan was forgotten when `the guys,' Topsy, Freckles, Potsy, and Big Benny showed up. Before you know it they began pulling up the flowers. Now this was double trouble, indeed! What would they tell Mrs. Flout about her precious garden? Were they ever going to get along with that spoiled Princess Daisy?


No Dogs Allowed!

It was going to be a great vacation because Mrs. Flout was bringing her "posse," Woody, Archie, and Princess Daisy for a special time at the beach. Everyone was really excited, but when they got to the beach there was a sign that said, "No Dogs Allowed!" It was a no, no, no day because when she continued to read to them it was "No biking. No roller skating. No loud music. No dogs." Of course the dog part was the worst because Woody really wanted a beach vacation. Princess Daisy wasn't at all dismayed because it was simply going to be a matter of pointing "to the lovely rhinestone crown on her head" and they'd be on that beach in no time. Wrong.

It was truly going to be a disappointing vacation, but things started to look up when Mrs. Flout had a conversation with Mayor Sandpiper. It seems there was a dog park in town where everyone would be welcome and they could have loads of fun. Woody, who started to mope around plopped himself at the mayor's feet to sulk. Naturally, Princess Daisy was all for it because, as she claimed, "You never know when a camera crew might be filming a movie and might just need a good looking dog." Woody had really counted on "romping in the sand" and "strolling through the surf." Were they going to be disappointed with this park? Was this "beach" vacation going to be a total bomb?


This is a charming set of stories with Mrs. Flout and her "posse" of poodles that youngsters will fall in love with. These adventures are perfect for the young dog lover as the dogs cavort through these pages. Woody, Archie, and Princess Daisy are well developed, interesting critter characters. I especially enjoyed the introduction of the slightly prissy Princess Daisy who annoys her "new" brothers, but delights her new mom. This series is an excellent one for the confident reader. Each story covers approximately twenty pages and most of the words can be easily deciphered. The artwork is fit for a princess and meshes perfectly with the stories. The stories could use the light touch of an editor's hand to bring them to perfection. For example, when dog's breeds are mentioned there are capitalization errors (Yellow Lab, the Bulldog). If you want some exciting, fun poodle posse adventures, this is one series you might want to take a look at!


This book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read aloud, July 31, 2010

By 

Carmen Ferreiro "Author Two Moon Princess" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adventures of the Poodle Posse, (The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed!) (Paperback)

Meet Woody, Archie and Daisy three small poodles with big hearts that will steal yours in these two new adventures of the Poodle Posse.

In The Princess and the Frenchmen, the three poodles realize that living together doesn't make a family but their willingness to share.

In No Dogs Allowed, Woody makes his own discovery: Having fun is possible in the most unlikely place.
Pat Achiles's enchanting illustrations bring an old-fashion charm that perfectly fit the mood of the stories.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fit for a Princess or a Frenchman, March 9, 2010

By 

V. Maletteri (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Adventures of the Poodle Posse, (The Princess & the Frenchmen/No Dogs Allowed!) (Paperback)

Give yourself a treat and purchase this universally appealing book to share with your loved ones! Boys and girls alike (and parents, too) will giggle from cover to cover at the antics of this adorably illustrated posse. Don't tell the children, but they may also pick up a life lesson or two during the fun!