Dog in Charge

PreS-Gr 2—Printz-winner Going aces her picture-book debut with this comical saga of a tutu-wearing bulldog who is the designated cat-sitter while the humans are at the store. Once the car leaves the driveway, five cats of varying breeds skedaddle from the sofa to spill milk, stir up fireplace ash, empty the hamper, disrupt a vanity, and more. Dog worries that their raucous acting out will reflect badly on him: "Would he still be a good Dog, a smart Dog, the very best Dog?" His idea to entice good behavior with kibbles disappears with his own hunger. As he naps, the cats remember that they love Dog and bring the house back to perfect order as the family arrives. Dog gets his rewards, then observes the pile of sleeping felines and thinks, "Good cats…Smart cats. The very best cats." Going's sentence structure reflects the hero's thought patterns and her sound effects ("Fwomp!") escalate the humor. Santat's realistic cartoons feature priceless expressions and poses. This is a treat for all pet lovers.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA —