LaRue Across America

K-Gr 4—Veteran letter writer Ike is back with the same feisty determination that established his hilarious voice in the earlier books. In this title, the disgruntled dog has a bone to pick with his neighbor, Mrs. Hibbins. She has been hospitalized due to a heat wave in Snort City, leaving Mrs. LaRue and Ike in charge of her two cats. Ike is incredulous that he has to change their summer vacation plans. Instead of his long-awaited ocean cruise, he'll now be taking a road trip with the detestable felines. The story is structured around Ike's cross-country adventures with his unwanted traveling companions and his ceaseless efforts to convey the supreme injustice of the situation to Mrs. Hibbins. Each of the postcards is a priceless piece of self-delusion, as Ike feigns concern for Mrs. LaRue and Mrs. Hibbins while his own motivations are quite clear. Teague's ear for his character's endless complaints is pitch perfect, and his wonderful illustrations are laugh-out-loud funny. Large spreads with the postcards superimposed on the crazy goings-on and expressive faces on the animals and humans make this a winner.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT