From School Library Journal
Grades 2-4--When Mickey watches a scary werewolf video, he becomes so terrified of dogs that his mother decides the only cure is to get him a dog of his own. At the shelter, he chooses Wolfie, the least adoptable pup there. Mickey is convinced that Wolfie is a werepuppy. Caring for Wolfie helps Mickey gain confidence, and Wolfie helps him deal with his teasing sister and the class bully. In the second story, the family goes on holiday without Wolfie, but Mickey leaves a chocolate toffee trail and Wolfie finds them. Then Mickey must try to hide him. These lightweight stories by popular author Jacqueline Wilson (Puffin, 1993, 1995) are not among her best writing. They both have predictable plots, and the werewolf element is unclear. The ending of the first story is not obvious from the plot. However, there is a lot of good coping-with-a-naughty-puppy humor and sympathetic situations. Listeners will relate to Mickey's family problems--four somewhat overwhelming sisters and a father who wishes Mickey to be bolder. Most Briticisms will be understood from their context. British actress Phyllida Nash is an excellent reader and particularly good at portraying bratty sisters and a young bully. While most of the technical aspects of the production are good, there is a sentence repeated twice and a garbled spot on tape three of the review copy. Where audiobooks are popular and there is a demand for light humor, this would be an additional but worthwhile purchase.
Louise Sherman, formerly Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Already a timid child, Mickey is teased mercilessly by his younger sister, Marigold. But after he watches a video about werewolves, Mickey's fear of dogs almost paralyzes him. To combat his fear, his mom insists on Mickey getting a dog, and Mickey ends up with a werepuppy--who changes all their lives. Phyllida Nash narrates this romp with a lively, bright voice that keeps the action moving, yet manages to convey Mickey's fear, the bully's scorn, and Marigold's constant teasing. Nash's character portrayals bring each individual to life, including three teenaged sisters (with the requisite adolescent tone), Mum and Dad, and particularly Granny Boot. A charming tale of childhood fears resolved. W.L.S. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
