From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1–Two young children celebrate the joy and challenges of life with their new pet. Puppy is exuberant, energetic, and as undisciplined as can be. The kids are thrilled with their uncontrollable new friend, chasing him, playing with him, and trying to get him to behave. In the spare text, the authors' repetitive dialogue rings true, echoing the sounds of children's excited screams and squeals. Nelson's illustrations are full of movement, switching perspective often to create a frenzied atmosphere. The children and puppy are appealing, dominating each page and keeping the focus clearly on the action. This book would be fun to read to a group, small or large, and the text is easy enough for beginning readers.
–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PreS-Gr. 1. Reprising the theme from their earlier collaboration,
Please, Baby, Please (2002), filmmaker Lee and his wife, a producer, turn the tables by putting the toddlers in charge this time. Although adults reading this aloud will smile knowingly as the young African American boy and girl plead in vain for their puppy to listen to directions, young readers and listeners may not appreciate the irony. Even so, they'll enjoy the exuberant pup's antics, which Nelson captures from a variety of perspectives in colorful, energetic illustrations: the puppy leaps into the air, rolls in mud, bounds out of his bath, and shakes water all over himself, the children, and the cat. The conscientious youngsters chase him, imploring their "baby" to behave. Picture books featuring children of color that don't make ethnicity the focus of the story are needed in all collections; this one is particularly accessible and fun.
Diane FooteCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
