From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K?This slight story is hardly a dog of a tale, but neither is it best of show. Duke is a well-traveled (and remarkably long-winded) pup who finally finds a place he'd like to call home. Unfortunately, Darla, the prissy proprietess of the Dairy Delight, doesn't want him around. Duke tries sneaking in, but his scruffy looks, clicking toenails, and strong odor make it difficult to get a paw in the door. Finally, his determination pays off when he slips in one last time and slides right into the brand new scrubbing-buffing-waxing machine. When it turns him into a walking, wagging version of the "famous vanilla-chocolate swirl," Darla finally decides to let him stay and readers are told that "with time, even Darla grew fond of Duke." However, it's unlikely that the same will be said of young listeners. Duke just doesn't have the appeal of Ernst's previous canine charmers, and none of the human characters stand out from the crowd. Too much of the action takes place before the book begins and after it ends. Duke's sudden desire to settle down, for example, might mean more if readers had seen some of his adventures on the road, while the happy ending would be more satisfying if shown in more detail. In short, while the concept is clever and the artwork excellent as always, Duke's story is not quite a delight.?Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ages 4^-6, younger for reading aloud. Duke's been a traveling dog all his life, but when he spots the Dairy Delight (Home of the Famous Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl), he knows he's found a home. Unfortunately, Darla the owner does not want a mangy mutt hanging around her establishment. A disappointed Duke feels Darla would come around if only she got to know him, but Darla persists in keeping him out of the Delight, scrubbing and rubbing, polishing and mopping every time he does manage to sneak in. The slapstick cleaning takes up a good deal of the story, and Ernst's oversize, energetic artwork is a perfect vehicle for conveying the fun. This is especially true in one of the final spreads, when slippery soap, Darla, and the dog all meet in a foamy frenzy. Then Duke falls into the machine that makes the ice cream swirl and comes out with his fur swirled, which finally wins over Darla. Slightly short on story but long on laughs.
Ilene Cooper
