Larry: The King of Rock and Roll (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Joyce Brotman (Author) "Okay! Okay! I'm sorry..." (more)
Key Phrases: Hollywood Bowl, Larry the Dog, Larry Kane (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—Larry appears to be an average dog: loyal, faithful, and eager to please. The fluffy Maltese goes everywhere with his family, and loves nothing more than cuddling up with 10-year-old Cathy. Therefore, Cathy and her father, Tom, are understandably shocked when one day Larry gets hot under the collar and chews them out—in words. The premise is that Larry, and all dogs for that matter, can talk. They are simply more highly evolved beings who recognize the importance of their reticent role in society. Larry's role, however, changes quickly as he embarks on a successful musical career with Tom, who is a songwriter. Hounded by success and pawed by fame, Larry loses sight of his family, friends, and, ultimately, himself. Fortunately, Cathy and Tom eventually intervene and shepherd him home to forgiveness and reconciliation. Underneath its sweet, silly surface, this story touches on several issues that are important to today's children. Divorce, shared custody, new relationships, and difficult choices are all central themes. While the story flows fairly smoothly, the characters feel somewhat flat, and some key cultural references are a bit out of date, something most readers of this age will notice. Still, children begging for stories about pets will find this an entertaining read.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Ada, MI
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Product Description

Did you know dogs can talk? Well, neither did Cathy and her father, Tom, a songwriter struggling with a new tune—that is, until their pet dog Larry opened his mouth and helped Tom finish the song!

Once Larry reveals he can not only talk but sing, there’s no stopping him. In no time, he’s on stage singing for sold-out audiences. Even the President of the United States is a fan of Larry. But soon enough, fame goes to Larry’s head: he drops Tom from his act, abandons Cathy and moves in with his agent. By the time of his showcase gig at the Hollywood Bowl, it’s clear he’s the king of rock and roll—but at what cost?

A fun-filled, tongue-in-cheek romp through the world of music stardom, Larry: The King of Rock and Roll is sure to win this lovable pooch a whole new legion of fans—young readers everywhere!

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (January 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399245464
• ISBN-13: 978-0399245466
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,125,446 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rocker Dog, April 9, 2007

By	Marina Kushner "Truth About Caffeine.com" (SCR Books) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Even adults will love this book, which is geared toward 9-12 year-olds. You won't look at man's best friend the same again!

5.0 out of 5 stars Larry Rocks!, April 4, 2007

By	Phiroze Family (Monterey) - See all my reviews

With "Larry: The King of Rock and Roll," Iris Rainer Dart and Joyce Brotman have created a moral tale that is at once wildly fun, totally absorbing, and quite touching. As we follow the sky-rocketing career (and ego) of Larry, a talented and talkative Maltese, we learn that even the most famous fido has his day and ultimately needs his friends. In Larry's case, these are Tom and Cathy, the father and daughter who are, respectively, Larry's musical partner and his best friend. Rainer Dart and Brotman give extra zip to the story of Larry's rise, fall, and return to grace by alternating the chapters between Cathy's narration of events and Larry's, creating a conflict of perspective that will keep children and adults eagerly flipping the pages. A great story--even for cat people!

5.0 out of 5 stars I don't like dogs, but I love this book, February 20, 2007

By	Jay (Bethesda, MD) - See all my reviews

My six-year old son and I read this book together and loved it. The story is original (rare for a children's book) and engaging. I would recommend Larry the King of Rock and Roll without reservation.