The Pup Who Cried Wolf

September 1, 2010

Gr 2-4-Lobo, a five-pound Chihuahua who lives in New York City, dreams of someday connecting with his roots by running with a wolf pack. In the meantime, he lives the life of a pampered city pooch, enjoying regular walks, good food, and naps in his mistress's lap. Besides having Mona to love, Lobo has two "siblings," an overweight rat named Heckles and a Spanish-speaking parrot named Glory. When Mona announces that they will all be taking a family vacation to Yellowstone, Lobo is beside himself with excitement, for he's sure to meet his wolf brothers there. Lobo's narration is funny and engaging. He has little insight into his size or poor judgment when it comes to meeting a predatory wolf pack, and the author deftly takes advantage of this irony. When he finally gets his wish, he needs the help of Heckles and Glory to free him from his dream, which has quickly become a nightmare. Children will love this humorous story and empathize with feisty, misguided Lobo as he realizes the error of his ways. A few black-and-white illustrations, some full page, are scattered throughout. This story will appeal to beginning chapter book and reluctant readers alike.-Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2010
Grades 3-5 Lobo, a Chihuahua with an attitude, lives in New York City with his owner, Mona, and fellow pets Heckles, a white rat, and Glory, a parrot. Lobo dreams of running with a wolf pack, and when Mona announces that she is going to Yellowstone for a family reunion, he thinks he sees his chance. With Heckles and Glory along for the ride, the foursome makes its way across the country. Upon arrival in Yellowstone, Lobo finds that the national parks strict leash laws make it nearly impossible for him to join a pack, but he does manage to escape and discovers that the wolves view him more as a snack than a soul mate. Kurtz serves up a light and entertaining novel, based on a premise that is probably true: yappy little dogs really do think that they are channeling their wolf ancestors. Francis frequent drawings extend the action and fun. Pair this with Patricia Finneys I, Jack (2004) or M. E. Kerrs Snakes Dont Miss Their Mothers (2003).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2010
In these first entries in the series, two small critters have big aspirations. In Wolf, Lobo, a tiny Chihuahua, dreams of living up to his lupine name on a trip to Yellowstone. In House, a mouse stumbles into an operatic life when he startles a soprano. Kid-friendly illustrations and upbeat, unselfconscious text combine to make droll stories.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)