FICTION

Woof: A Bowser and Birdie Novel

304p. Scholastic. May 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780545643313; ebk. $16.99. ISBN 9780545643337. LC 2014031181.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–6—Two humans, Birdie Gaux and her grandmother, are standing in front of Bowser's cage at the shelter. It's Birdie's 11th birthday, and she's there to pick out a pet. The girl automatically connects with mutt Bowser, even though Grammy and the woman running the shelter advise against him. Bowser is beside himself—he has connected with Birdie, too. Soon they are speeding along in Grammy's beat up pick up truck, headed to St. Roch, LA. Before Bowser can even get settled in, he and Birdie have a mystery on their hands. Someone has stolen Grammy's prized mounted marlin, Black Jack, from the wall of her bait and swamp tour shop. It turns out that Birdie's small town harbors quite a few secrets and old family feuds. Bowser and Birdie must find Grammy's prized marlin and dig into the age-old rumor that there is a treasure map sealed within Black Jack. Told from Bowser's point of view, this hilarious story will elicit laughs from dog-loving kids as they recognize Bowser's loyal yet rambunctious behavior. Reminiscent of Dug from the film Up, Bowser finds fun in every scrape he and Birdie get into, and he is devoted to Birdie from the start.
VERDICT This suspenseful mystery filled with small-town characters takes readers to the very last pages, and the unresolved ending is a sure sign of more Bowser and Birdie books to come.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?