LaRue for Mayor Letters from the Campaign Trail Book Review

Ike LaRue is back in an all new adventure in LaRue For Mayor Letters from the Campaign Trail written and illustrated by Mark Teague.  When Ike attends a political rally for Hugo Bugwort, he is shocked to hear that Snort City has a "dog problem."  Bugwort believes that the answer is to eliminate dogs from the town.

Ike cannot believe his canine ears!  A Snort City without dogs?  Not on his watch!  After careful consideration, he decides that he too will run for mayor.  Will a series of unfortunate events cost Ike voters?  Will Snort City truly become dogless?

This is another fantastic page turner from Teague.  I loved every second of this story.  Ike's voice is powerful and heartfelt throughout.  Perhaps some of my dogs should run for mayor...

Teague's illustrations are fabulous as always.  He again combines Ike's reality with his imagination to create truly stunning pictures.  I especially love his use of the colors red, white and blue.

Readers of all ages will cheer Ike on in his campaign quest.  This book would also make a wonderful gift for the animal lover in your life.

Dear Mrs. LaRue Letters from Obedience School Book Review

Dear Mrs. LaRue Letters from Obedience School written and illustrated by Mark Teague tells the tale of a misunderstood pooch, Ike.  After a series of unfortunate events, Mrs. LaRue decides to send Ike to the Brotweiler Canine Academy for obedience training.

Ike sends Mrs. LaRue letters daily describing the horrible conditions that he is in.  He relentlessly pleads his case requesting to come home immediately.  Will Ike ever learn how to be a good dog?  Will Mrs. LaRue ever forgive Ike for his transgressions?

I absolutely loved this book!  My interest was peaked from start to finish.  I love that the story is epistolary (told all in letters).  Ike has a very distinctive voice and style that can be seen in each letter.  I also love the fact that the story is told from the dog's point of view.  I am quite sure that my own furry pack have some stories to tell.

Teague's illustrations are fantastic.  I love the way that he combines Ike's reality with his imagination.  This is a wonderful story for dog lovers of all ages.  I cannot wait to read the next book in the LaRue series.

It's All About Me-Ow Book Review

It's All About Me-Ow written and illustrated by Hudson Talbott invites the reader into the glorious world of cats.  Buddy the house cat is on hand to train his family's three new kittens.  He begins by explaining the difference between humans and cats.

Buddy continues his training with a lesson on cats throughout history.  But the most important lesson of all is that of catitude.  Will his students be able to master the techniques to become perfect cats?

I absolutely love this book!  Talbott tells a fantastic story filled with history, humor and heart.  I found myself laughing with every turn of the page.  Buddy is one feisty feline and his life lessons are timeless.

This story will certainly ring true with cat owners of all ages.  I am definitely reminded of my three fur balls, Miracle, Olaf and Sven.  The illustrations are gorgeous and highly entertaining.  Children will fall in love with the curious kittens.  I especially enjoy the page where the kittens are decorating their family's home.  My cats have certainly made their mark on my heart and in my house.

Overall, this is a wonderful read filled with hilarious hijinks and historical facts.  Animal lovers of all ages will love sinking their claws into this book.

Schnitzel von Krumm's Basketwork Book Review

Everyone's favorite Dachshund is back in a brand new adventure!  Schnitzel von Krumm loves his beat up basket.  Sure the cushion is chewed up and the blanket smells funny, but to him, his bed is perfect.

Suddenly, Schnitzel's world is turned upside down when his family decides that he needs a new bed.  The luxury basket is roomy and smells fresh and clean.  But all of the newness makes for one unhappy ween.

Will Schnitzel ever see his beloved basket again?  Can he learn to embrace change and enjoy what his new bed has to offer?

I absolutely love this book!  My furry babies are very particular about their beds as well.  I can definitely relate to the smelliness of beds and blankets that are well loved by my pack.  I also love how the story introduces the complex concept of change to children.  As an adult, I know that I struggle with things suddenly changing. 

Lynley Dodd's illustrations are hilarious and heartwarming.  Dog lovers of all ages will fall in love with Schnitzel von Krumm and his adorable facial expressions.  This book is a great read and would make a wonderful gift for pet parents.

Schnitzel von Krumm Forget Me Not Book Review

Schnitzel von Krumm, an adorable Dachshund, watches with anticipation as his family packs to go on a vacation.  He begins to investigate the numerous boxes and bags that litter the lawn.  While trying to be careful, he continues to get underfoot making his humans quite angry.

After counting the children and checking up on Grandma, the family speeds away leaving Schnitzel von Krumm behind.  Will the poor Dachshund ever be reunited with his family?

I absolutely adored this book!  This story especially touched my heart because I own a differently-abled Dachshund.  I can totally relate to Schnitzel von Krumm's mischief making ways.  My Dachshund is always underfoot as she is blind and deaf. 

Lynley Dodd's illustrations are hilarious and heartwarming.  Dog lovers of all ages will fall in love with Schnitzel von Krumm and his adorable facial expressions.  This book is a great read and would make a wonderful gift for the Dachshund fanatic in your life.

Hairy Maclary's Show Business Book Review

Hairy Maclary is a scruffy dog from Donaldson's Dairy.  He desperately wants to check out the Riverside Cat Club Annual Show.  Using his stealth skills, he manages to sneak into the dazzling world of cats.

Little did Hairy know that his visit would create kitty chaos.  Humans scramble to catch the cunning canine.  Will Hairy be able to outwit his pursuers?

I found this book to be quite a fun read.  Children will fall in love with Hairy Maclary and cheer him on throughout his adventures.  I also found the rhyming text to be innovative and found that it relates to the illustrations with ease.  Lynley Dodd's illustrations are simply charming.  I love how the awards mirror the cat's personalities. 

Children ages 3-9 will love this book (along with animal lovers of all ages).

Hairy Maclary Sit Book Review

Hairy Maclary is back in an all new adventure.  His owner has decided to take him to the park for the Kennel Club's Special Obedience Class.  Surrounded by other dogs, Hairy felt energized.

The mischievous pup decided that it would be more fun to explore the park on his own.  Hairy's lack of obedience soon turns the park upside down.  Will Hairy ever learn to sit and stay?

I found this book to be quite a fun read.  Children will fall in love with Hairy Maclary and cheer him on throughout his adventures.  I also found the rhyming text to be innovative and found that it relates to the illustrations with ease. 

Children ages 3-9 will love this book (along with animal lovers of all ages).