How to use this Page

Can I tell you that I was "in stitches" when I read this book. I couldn't wait to share it with my students. It has been making the "rounds" with the class. It is a delightful book about a girl, Dessert, who "marches to a different drummer". Any child (and adult) can identify with the mischief that she gets into (like shaving pieces off of the brownies and shaving too much--no more brownies)The book will have your students giggling at the double meanings and wanting to read more and more. I give it a five out of five!

I thought this book was interesting but more for the younger independent readers. It is listed as Middle Grade. I teach six, seventh, and eighth grade. While the six graders would enjoy the story, I'm not sure the seventh and eighth graders would.

The story is about a girl who follows her teacher's example of marching to her own drummer. Her first beat... dessert before dinner.

I'd give this story 3 out of 5 stars. It was entertaining but I'm not sure if it's being marketed to the right audience.

Dessert First was a really great book. I loved the idea of eating your dessert first. The message of "marching to your own drum" was uplifting. As a teacher I don't want cookie cutter kids. I want to teach them to march to their own drum. This was a hilarious read and I give it a very solid 5.

The publisher's website http://www.simonandschuster.net/ calls Dessert "Clementine and Judy Moody with whipped cream and a cherry on top!" With a description like that I was expecting a little more zing and humor. Although I wasn't swept away by it, I do think it is a sweet story that my second and third graders will enjoy. I give it a 3.5.
Denair Elementary School
Denair, CA

The first strong women role model, introduced in the lead sentence is 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Howdy Doody. The rhythm of memorable characters continues with the getting to know both Dessert herself, and her patient and wise mother.

The relationships in the book are believable. The intertwining of the fondues and Grandma Reine's Double Decker Bars give just the right twists! Dessert is a rascal, but she is open to self reflecting and learning from her mishaps. She has a good heart, and you feel like her evolution is genuine. You see pieces of yourself, in her.

I love how author Hallie Durand organized the story. The sequencing really works and the changes of scenery between the family restaurant, school, and home are seamless. I love how the women in the book all seem to share their oral history with other women. You have the grandmother's story of obtaining the brownie recipe and Mrs. Doody explaining her own tale of cutting corners and facing the music later! Desert's mother also shares her wisdom from the past to guide Desert into her future. A lot of powerful thinkers.

I think this book offers something sweet and different!

I would give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Carol Null
Pemetic Elementary School
Southwest Harbor, ME

I was expecting Dessert First to be a laugh-out-loud story filled with the mishaps of a young girl. Instead, I found it to be a solid read with nothing spectacular. It would help if the illustrations were improved upon and the character names weren't so "far out there".

All-in-all a picnic 2.5

Denair Charter Academy
Denair, CA

What a great read for third graders! I can see my students craving “Dessert” and wanting more adventures. This would also be a great read aloud for character development – how to make amends for bad choices, how to deal with a not-so-nice classmate, etc. I especially loved the teacher, Mrs. Howdy Doody as she encouraged her class to march to their own drummers. For once, the teacher was portrayed as fun and someone that the kids enjoy to be around.

This book is definitely worth a 5/5. A fun read! I'm going to encourage my students to taste it at their first picnic of the summer!

Pat Kramer
Third grade teacher
Palm Harbor, FL

A cute book. Nice message about telling your parents before they find out and how marching to your own drummer is important, but can be dangerous. Cute names - nickname of Dessert and Grandma Reine. Owning a fondue restaurant was novel. I thought the pictures were cute - they were simple, but entertaining.

However, it seemed rather like many of the books already out there. I do wonder if focusing on food, especially desserts is such a good thing with the increase of childhood obesity.

I give it a 3.5

This is a cute story, but nothing special. The main character is mostly likeable, but very selfish and sometimes sneaky. There is no clear plot/conflct from the beginning, and the chapters do not end in a way that makes you want to find out what comes next, and the ending isn't really a solution to anything, though it is redeeming for the main character.

The chapter length and vocabulary are about right for the target ages (7-10), and I liked the use of different font sizes to show changes in mood or volume. The illustrations are cute, but don't add anything to the story.

The food theme is fun, and very descriptive, except when an entire chapter is focused on fondue but leaves out the main course.

I give this one a 2 - fun if you find it lying around, but nothing to go out of your way to get.

I found Dessert First to be a quick read. I can relate to that feeling Dessert gets in her stomach when she knew she did something wrong. In the end she confessed and worked hard to make amends. Overall I found this title very appealing. 4.5 out of 5 stars

This would be a great read aloud book to third graders, the same grade as the main character, Dessert. There are several spin-off activities you can do: have a slipper day, have a fondue party, make petit fours or other special cookies, have your own pledge week to benefit a local charity. Solid four!

Dessert First is a great read. I immediately fell in love with Dessert and her spunky personality. Many a young girl will also fall in love with her upon reading this book. . Dessert’s character is wholly believable- she is the perfect recipe for a third grade girl; part sweet, part spunky and a whole lot determined. I adore the way that Hallie Durand set up the book stylistically. The use of tiny print when Dessert is quietly mouthing off or feeling ashamed is fantastic. Not only will the font changes make a good tool for teaching different writing styles, but it will also provide great discussion about emotions and the way humans react to them. The mishaps in this story provide great examples of how to help right wrongs. I really appreciated that Dessert wasn’t immediately forgiven for eating all of the Double-Decker Chocolate Bars. Having her have to really problem solve her way through her mistakes will provide a good example for the readers.

At first, I was a little put off with the far out nature of the names of the characters in the book. Upon reflection however, I feel like Dessert First is a believable tale of childhood mishaps mixed in with what young readers might view as a relatively ideal existence: A teacher who encourages her students to march to beat of their own drum, a family that owns a fondue restaurant, and the ability to east dessert first. What a great way to hook readers.

Tara McKernan
Special Education Teacher
Pemetic Elementary School
Southwest Harbor , Maine

4 out of 5

I thought this was a cute book best targeted to 3rd, 4th and possibly struggling 5th grade readers. I enjoyed Mrs. Howdy Doody and am wondering if anyone who's reading it will get the name reference. Dessert is a typical child who reminds me a lot of my own daughter and what she would do if the dessert in the fridge started to disappear. Dessert is a funny character and is a great precursor for the Clarice Bean books for slightly older children. I thought the overall lesson of the book was a good one and will hopefully get some kids thinking about the choices they make and how to make amends for mistakes. Overall, I would give this a 4 out of 5 picnic baskets.

Loved it!

Dessert, the main character is from a "Food Family". Her new teacher teaches her about "marching to her own drummer". Dessert takes this to heart and learns a few lessons along the way in this {sweet} story.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to 7-10 year olds. Once I started, I couldn't put this book down. I give it a 5/5. Kids will devour this book and will be craving a {sweet} dessert by the end!

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the character Dessert. I could relate to the fact that the chocolate layer cookies were calling her name, and she couldn't resist. My students will love this book. They will be able to relate to the mischief that Dessert gets into and how she manipulates the people around her.
I really liked how the author did not follow what the reader thought would happen when the teacher asked them to give something up. She made sure that her characters stayed in character by having Dessert work through the loop holes.
I defenitaly give this book a 5+ out of 5 in my basket. It is a must have for the bookshelf as a choice for my students.

I have to admit "Dessert First" is not what I expected; however, it turned out to be a delightful read. A young girl who likes to eat dessert first, "marches to her own drummer," and learns from her mistakes serves up a "delicious" story.

I don't believe this book will be of interest to the middle-school audience, but will be loved by younger students(grades 1-3).

I think this would be a wonderful story for a third grade teacher to read out loud to his/her students during the first week of school. Each student could create his/her own coat-of-arms as a way to get to know one another. A discussion of making the right choices could go along with explaining classroom rules and behavior.

I give this book 4 out of 5.

Carrie Blagg
Cherokee Elementary School
Paradise Valley, AZ

When they say "don't judge a book by its cover" they were talking about The Baseball Card Kid. I thought this book was going to be about sports, but it was much different.

The Baseball Card Kid was a cute adventure story about a boy who travels through time while trying to "fix" a problem after he destroyed his father's one of a kid baseball card. Through a butterfly effect (which is explained in the story for the students) the boys must keep trying to fix the problem they made in order to return to their home.

While the story is about time travel, the real storyline is about the boys need for his father's approval. In the first chapter, we learn that he has traveled back in time before. Each time he is trying to fix one moment when his relationship with his father changed.

I enjoyed this story and think that middle school students will enjoy the story.

Sorry for deleting my first comment but I noticed a typo right after hitting submit.

I really enjoyed this book -- it was a quick read and very entertaining.

I would recommend this book -- especially to kids who don't particularly like reading. This is a fun book that catches you right from the beginning. I also think middle school kids would enjoy the humor -- sending underwear to the future as payment, etc.

4 stars

What a fun book! With the wit and creativity of the Percy Jackson series, the Baseball Card kid jumps from one absurd situation to another.

The character of Seth is especially enjoyable. He knows how to manipulate people and situations and is very open about his deceptiveness (at least with people who aren't his mother!).

This book would be well received by lower level readers, as well as enjoyed as a quick read by higher level readers who enjoy fantasy and science fiction.

Picnic Basket Rating: 5

Great Book! This book reminds me of the Beverly Cleary series with a modern twist. What a great story for a middle schooler who struggles with personal relationships as they all do. I loved the format in which this book is written. Great! 5 out of 5

What a wildly futuristic book. When the two boys set out on an adventure to win their father's approval they don't realize the adventure they will find. From the Titanic to the "flat world" of the future to prehistoric you never know where the kids will end up next. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5.

Anything to do with the Titanic generally holds students' interests and I am sure this book will do that. Mostly male characters and the use of sports will, I believe attract male readers.
The historical aspects are intriguing and the science fiction in entertaining. The look at the far-off future is fun and creative.
The fact that the young boys are trying to right a wrong is a nice touch.
I give it a 4/5.

Like The Comic Book Kid, this book is full of adventure and science fiction that will hold the attention of readers. I have recommended this book to several boys in my class who are reluctant to read. They give it a thumbs up. The Titanic twist helps the story be attractive to all. I hope there will be more in this series - the characters are fun to follow as they try to right a wrong. I give this book 4/5 stars.

Julie B
3rd Grade Teacher
Guntersville, Alabama

Great book! I normally would not choose a science fiction book to read, however I really enjoyed this fun adventure filled book. It kept my interest from beginning to end, I couldn't wait to hear what would happen next or where they would travel to next using the time travel bracelets.

Although all the main characters are boys, I think that girls will also find this book entertaining. I give this book a 4.5 rating.

Excellent book for both boys and girls. Everyone wants their parents to give them unconditional love and approval and this book is about just that.

Very easy to read.

4.5 out of 5

The cover of the The Baseball Card Kid did not appeal to me at first glance, but onward I read enjoying the story line of a boy who destroyed his father's valuable baseball card. The story was plausible at first, traveling back in time to fix the error of his ways, but then it became too unrealistic and seemed to try and tie too many time periods together in one story. And to end the story with the belief that some pretty significant history was "corrected" was just too too much for me! No bombing of Hiroshima? No sinking of the Titanic? With the poor sketch work as illustrations, I rank this a Picnic-Basket 2 as it may provide picnic entertainment under the right conditions.

Media & Intervention Technician
Denair Charter Academy
Denair, CA

The Baseball Card Kid by Adam Osterweil starts out as an easy to follow adventure story about a boy traveling back in time through a comic book ad to try to get a baseball card before it sinks with the Titanic. I lost some interest as he traveled to the future but I think that students would find it an interesting read. It is hard to follow at times but if you can stick with it, it is entertaining. I would give it a 3 out of 5

I showed the blurb to my girls and they are anxiously waiting for the book to come out.

I haven't finished the book yet because my daughter has been reading it. what I have read I have thoroughly enjoyed. While the technology is different (cellphones) I can relate to my own childhood some of the situations. (What mother wouldn't let a child read?) As an 11 year old sixth grader she is thoroughly enjoying the book.

I can't wait to finish reading...

Putting this book down to teach my class seemed the worst part about "Dork Diaries." I was enjoying the format and story line. I found the book to truly represent what students go through after an embarrassing moment. Tripping in the cafeteria and being showered with food is not fun for anyone, especially a 12-year-old girl who already feels out of place in a new school.

I think students will love reading this story but some of the pop culture references might be difficult for a middle school student. Luckily, the book does a great job of just mentioning pop culture and not comparing events. Therefore, the students will still be able to comprehend the story if they don't understand a reference.

Overall, I recommend this book for any middle school girl to read. Unfortunately, unlike "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" I don't think that this book will cross gender lines.

I read Dork Diaries in two nights, and that meant putting two other books I am reading aside. The organization of the book (diary with dates for entries) appealed to me and the sketches really made the dairy feel authentic. The main character had voice and was believable. I found myself rooting for her in the art contest and in the battle to accept herself without needing validation from others who seem to have more than her.

rating 5

Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell recreates all the angst possible for the new girl in school. From wanting to be part of the in crowd, to first crushes, to embarrassing moments, to being put upon, fighting back and reaching agreements,to making true friends, this book has it all.

The format, that of a diary of an eighth grade girl is very readable and, at times, quite humorous. The art work is excellent and supports the story.

This is a book that will appeal to upper elementary / middle school girls. Unfortunately I don't think boys will go for it--yes, the issues are similar for boys as for girls, but the emotional bent and method of dealing with the angst is different, and therefore not as likely to attract the guys.

I give this a 4 out of 5.

Becky Jensen
Co-Director, Peacham Library

Rachel Renee Russell has a strong voice that easily evokes memories of tumultuous teenage years. The trials of Nikki Maxwell’s eighth grade year are craftily explored through the musings and drawings of the protagonist. Girls who read this book will certainly identify with Nikki and her attempts to find her way through the social circles of middle school. Mackenzie will remind readers of their middle school nemesis. Readers of all ages will find themselves rooting strongly against Mackenzie and cheering for Nikki’s social victories.
As I was reading, it was easy to imagine how quickly adolescent readers would be drawn into the book. Russell’s style will easily capture even the most reluctant of readers.

I just finished reading it and it was a cute story. It took a while to get into it, because I couldn't tell what the storyline was or old Nikki was supposed to be. I deal with 14 year olds on an almost daily basis and they don't always act like that. After the first 40 pages, the story seemed to settle down and the author really seemed to get into the storyline. I enjoyed the anxious momements that Nikki had when she and Brianna were stuck in Mackenzie's bathroom. Or when Nikki felt that no one really liked her at her new school. It was fun to see how Nikki perceived her world and how it would yo-yo back and forth between what was reality and what she thought reality was. That is certainly true of any middle school student I know.

I would rate this story a 4. It is a fun read and something the kids would enjoy over the summer. especially in August when school looms closer.

Catherine Yezak, Spec. Ed. Teacher, Marquette Area Public Schools, Marquette, Michigan.

While the format is fun and the pictures are cute, this book would not fit well in our Media Center at school. We are a conservative Classically educated school and the writing style was very amateur. I rate this book a 3 out of 5

This book had very strong voice and some humorous moments that we can all relate to, especially dealing with a bully and the desire to be in the "in" crowd.
It was disappointed that Nikki didn't grow more as a person. She seemed to be pretty shallow and "on" from beginning to end. I felt like I was in a version of the movie "Clueless" for most of the story.
I think middle school girls would get a kick out of the story and may even be heard quoting Nikki in their conversations. I would rate this book a 3 out of 5.

Laura Backman
Reading Specialist
Author of "Lemon the Duck"
http://lemontheduck.com

I can't believe how much I enjoyed the new middle grade book DORK DIARIES: TALES FROM A NOT-SO-FABULOUS LIFE by Rachel Renee Russell. I guess you could say I was pleasantly surprised by my reaction to this book -- basically, I didn't want to put it down. It was just so much fun to read, and I absolutely couldn't wait to hear what my nine year old daughter thought.

I just adored this book. I loved the character of Nikki and felt that almost all young girls are going to be able to relate to her. She has the "normal" middle school insecurities such as the desire to be popular, wondering who she can trust as a friend, and fear of being laughed at. It's been a long time since I was in eighth grade, but I could definitely relate to being the new girl in school -- it's very hard at that age!

While there were certainly times that I felt Nikki's pain, I'd say for the most part this book was a hoot! Nikki was a terrific character who had a great perspective on her life. I found myself laughing hysterically at her attempts to get an iPhone, and I also thought the scenes with her little sister to be fantastic. (Like Nikki, I had a sister who was a good bit younger.) And her parents....well, as a parent I probably shouldn't have thought they were so funny, but the way Nikki described their actions was hilarious. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this story.

Since DORK DIARIES is supposed to read like Nikki's actual diary, the book had a really cool format with interesting fonts and amazing illustrations. I loved the look of this book and thought that Nikki's drawings really enhanced the story and allowed the reader to better understand Nikki. Ms. Russell is not only a fantastic writer but also a terrific artist! The various pictures of Nikki's life were just adorable while also being extremely funny. DORK DIARIES is very easy to read with the font and pictures, and I think this book will appeal to even the most reluctant reader. I am sincerly hoping that it's going to be the first in a series. I definitely want to see more of Nikki and her family and friends.

I have a feeling that this book is going to be a big hit with middle grade girls. When my daughter took this book to school, the girls were all over it -- asking her questions like "where did you get it?," "how did you get it?," "can I borrow it?," etc. I think the cover alone will attract many young girls because it is just so cute.

I definitely recommend this book for any middle grade girl in your life, although I have to admit that I enjoyed it a great deal too! The messages in this book are fantastic -- ones that young girls need to hear over and over again. I like that the book focused on what's really important in our lives such as family and friends. This book also showed that it's normal to feel insecure at this age, but I'm hoping that young girls will see how Nikki coped and learn from her. In fact, my daughter thought Nikki was great and didn't understand why she thought she was a "dork." I jumped at this opportunity and told her that maybe some people would say the exact same thing about her! (I think it's sometimes easier to see things in others.) I also liked the message that girls who seem to have it all, sometimes don't; and that it does pay to be a nice girl and a good friend.

I wasn't surprised when Booking Daughter absolutely devoured this book. I don't think we saw her face the entire time she was reading DORK DIARIES because she had her nose buried in the pages. Here are some of her thoughts:

I liked DORK DIARIES because it was really made me laugh. It was kind of sad too in parts of the story, but it was still funny. I liked Nikki because she is really funny. I liked her drawings of the characters. I sometimes feel geeky and nerdy at school, so I understood how Nikki felt.

Rating: 5/5
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/

While this book will not have the cross over appeal to boys it will win the hearts of girls looking for a "wimpy kid" book to call their own. Filled with real life situations of any middle grade girl this book is a sure winner.

With a vibrant voice that's wholly her own, Nikki Maxwell shares the pitfalls and triumphs of middle school through her diaries, though most of the time it's easy to forget that this is a written work as Nikki's voice comes through as spoken. In fact, several times she has to correct herself and say something like, "Okay, I didn't really say that. I just thought it."
Because of this aspect, Dork Diaries reminds me of the Disney show Lizzie Maguire. The frustration and angst are also reminiscent of the show and there is very much a touch of the drama queen in Nikki.
That said, the voice is much more sophisticated than those found in Disney, especially in Mackenzie's mean-spirited comments and Nikki's responses. One of my favorite lines is when Nikki calls her nemesis a "PIT BULL in glittery eye shadow and Jimmy Choo flip-flops!"
I think this book will have enormous appeal among middle-school girls because of the dramatic voice, the keen attention to teen issues, and the fun illustrative comics that accompany the text.
Is it great literature? No. But it does accomplish what it sets out to do. As a successful example of teenage "chick lit," it's well worth adding to libraries that serve middle school students.

Picnic Bsket Rating: 4

If I had to describe this book in a few words they would be "cute" and "silly." I think it would definitely appeal to middle-school girls (especially those who like reads such as The Clique series).

I had a hard time really liking this book because it is not a deep read, and I didn't feel as invested in the characters as I have in other books. All of that being said, I can see how this is almost a mirror image of the experience that some girls face in middle school - the mean popular girl, wanting to fit in, being on the outside, and peer pressure.

I do like how Nikk's friends came through for her at the end - it is important to teach friendship and what it means to be a good friend.

Overall I would give this book a 3/5...

Lindsay Horne
New Kent Middle School
New Kent, VA

When I told my students about this book that I received, my girls were ready to read it. I know it will be a book that is passed around and read by many of my 6th grade girls. Many of them are now reading the other diary books,and I think they will like this one just as well if not better. There is a lot in this story that they will be able to connect to. Whenever a book stays off of the shelf and is being read, I am happy. This is not a book that I would use to teach because of its lack of literary elements. I give this book a 4 in my basket.

Jackie Purificato
Consultant teacher

My daughter and I both loved this book. I felt it captured the peer pressure that is found in schools today. The pictures in the book were awesome. I remember the days of peer pressure and wanting to fit in...I loved the way she did come to realize who her true friends were.

I think this book would be more suited to girls than boys. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Well ... I wanted to love this one. I really did. I heard the blurbs and thought "Fun!"

But I didn't enjoy it. The main character annoyed me to no end. I wanted to sympathize with her embarrassment over her family's efforts to cheer her up. I wanted to share her pain when the popular girls ignored her, or the boy she liked actually spoke to her. But in the end she felt like everything that is tiresome about middle schoolers and nothing that is impressive or noteworthy. They can be really incredible kids.

I can see where some girls might like it. I sort of felt like it might fit in with the Meg Cabot crowd (albeit with some funny illustrations--I'll give the book that much). I just enjoy her characters more.

Neutral. There was enough in there that did make me laugh that I wouldn't want to say to everyone stay totally away. But I would not have finished it if it were not for my commitment to this review.

I give The Dork Diaries a 3 out 5. While I liked the diary format and the drawings, I had trouble relating to Nikki.

From Russia With Lunch
By Bruce Hale

This book surprised me. I read it, my first Chet Gecko mystery, without having high expectations for it. A series about a gecko with a cutesy title aimed at third graders did not seem to hold much promise as a good read. I was greatly mistaken.
From Russia With Love is filled with wonderful language. As a teacher in a school where the majority of students are second language learners, I think this book is a fabulous way to introduce children to the wonders of the English language. To really explain this, I must include excerpts from the book.
First, the names of the characters are very clever: Natalie Attired, Tanya Lightov, and Pete Moss. While the students reading the book may not “get it,” the adults using it as a read aloud will certainly be entertained. Next, I have selected some parts of the book which highlight the author’s clever use of idiom and figurative language.
“The last dribbles of lunch period were leaking out, like the sauce from a Sloppy Junebug sandwich.”
“Mrs. Bagoong folder her thick arms. ‘I don’t like the crisp of her bacon.’ ‘You think she might be a few eggs short of an omelet?’ I asked.”
“The badger turned uglier than a plate of broccoli at breakfast.”
And my personal favorite: “Blue doesn’t even come close to describing my mood that afternoon. Kids sent to bed without supper are blue. I was gloom-founded, hurtin’ for certain, down in the Dumpster, majorly mope-ified.”
Taking the time to read this book with second language learners (and with native English speakers) opens up a world of idioms and common (and some not-so-common) expressions for such students. What a wonderful way to get students to want to learn the idioms—because it will help them understand the story.
And the story itself is fun. A good third grade reader will be able to understand the story, but the language will be best understood by a more mature reader. Don’t be fooled by its cover—this book will also be greatly enjoyed by fourth, fifth and even sixth graders as well.

Pamela Kramer
Reading Teacher
Highwood, Illinois

I just read From Russia with Lunch and I enjoyed in thoroughly. The website enhanced the whole experience. This is the first in the Gecko Mysteries for me but I am sure to read more. As a teacher, it's a challenge to find engaging mysteries but this is a winner. The figurative language and humor is sure to be a hit and keep the reader engaged.
It lends itself nicely as a tool for exploring metaphors, similies, idioms, etc.
As an independent read, I would say this book would appeal more to lower middle or upper elementary students that have a lot of schema for figurative language.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5

Laura Backman
Reading Specialist
Melville School
http://lemontheduck.com

Not expecting too much from a Chet Gecko book, I was pleasantly surprised with the wit of the story line. It is a laugh-out-loud story I know students will enjoy checking out again and again! Older students (middle school) should be able to catch the meanings of the play on words while younger students(elementary) will be able to enjoy the mystery of this cute story. I rate this book a 4.5 because I WOULD rummage through the picnic basket to read it!

Denair Charter Academy
Denair, CA

Waggit’s Tale and Waggit Again! by Peter Howe

Publishers often advise would-be children’s authors to avoid talking animals. I have never understood this advice because children’s literature is filled with much-loved stories with talking animals. Waggit’s Tale and Waggit Again! are two such books.
In Waggit’s Tale, Peter Howe has convincingly created the world of stray dogs surviving in Central Park. The main character, Waggit (he wags his tale a lot when he is nervous), is an abandoned puppy that the team leader, Tazar, brings under his protection. The team is a group of stray dogs that live together in Central Park. To survive, each dog must put the team’s interest ahead of his or her own.
Tazar is a wise and noble leader with a deep mistrust for Uprights (humans). Lowdown is an older, short-legged dog that has good instincts and teaches Waggit how to survive and be a team member. Lowdown becomes Waggit’s dearest friend, and Waggit frets as old Lowdown grows feeble. Cal, Raz, Magica, Gruff, Gordo, Alicia, Alona, Little One, and Little Two are the other members of the team. Each dog has a distinctive personality and contributes to the team’s welfare in different ways. As Waggit grows, he proves his worth to the team by becoming the best hunter.
Peter Howe has invented a vocabulary for people, animals, and things that the dogs encounter. Even worse than the Uprights are the Ruzelas (any human in a uniform) who catch dogs and send them to the Great Unknown. The team survives the Long Cold (winter) by hunting Scurries, Nibblers, Hoppers, and Curlytails. They avoid Stoners, Petulents, and Rollers.
The underlying theme of this book is that although Waggit was abandoned by his Upright, he does not feel that Uprights are evil. He ultimately has to choose between the team and an Upright. It is not a surprise that the book ends with Waggit being adopted by a kind, loving Upright. The entire story marches steadily toward that conclusion. The inevitable conclusion does not make the adventures of Waggit and the team less exciting or fun to read. I found the book a fun adventure and can’t wait to share it with my middle-grade students. I was happy to have the sequel Waggit Again! to dive right into.
In Waggit Again! Waggit finds himself chained in a back of a farmhouse. His Upright has driven away, and Waggit thinks he has been abandoned again. He finally breaks the chain and escapes. His only thought is to return to Central Park and Tazar’s team. He doesn’t know where he is or how to get to Central Park. He runs into a strange Upright named Felicia. Felicia is a wanderer. She is very much like a homeless person, but the difference is that she has a trust fund that provides her with some money. Felicia has the gift of being able to understand and talk to dogs and a few other species. She befriends Waggit and joins him on his journey back to Central Park. Felcicia buys a map, gets them headed in the right direction, and buys food. Along the way they rescue Lug, a cowardly pit bull. He tags along. Finally, with the aid of Frosty the trucker, the trio makes it to Central Park. Waggit is concerned that the team will not accept him back, since he left them for an Upright. Tazar is as noble as ever and welcomes Waggit’s return. Though suspicious, Tazar gives Felicia a chance. It also helps that Felicia buys a feast for the dogs.
Although Waggit is glad to be back with the team, the team is experiencing hard times. The hard times are caused by Olang, Tazar’s son. Waggit has to deal with the team’s problems and once again choose between the team and his Upright.
Peter How leaves Waggit Again! wide open for book number three. I anxiously await another book about Waggit.
I rate these two books a five. These books deal with the harsh lives that stray dogs lead while offering fun, excitement, and adventure that any child will enjoy.

Mary Kirk
Media Coordinator
Sherwood Forest Elementary School

Waggitt Again is another frolicking tale that extends the trail of success established by Waggitt’s Tale. Peter Howe has managed to craft another story that will entice its readers, but it took him most of the book to make that case.

Readers expecting another tale from the perspective of the dog will not be disappointed. The introduction of several Uprights (humans) as major characters in this edition takes an unexpected turn from the first work. Nevertheless, Howe ventures into territory seldom combined with such good story; people who really communicate with animals.

The story is one of adventure and redemption for both humans and animals. Excitement abounds as Waggitt comes to terms with his past and the future that is his to claim. Along the way, more encounters with humans and dogs reveal their similar traits as Waggitt discovers that one can go home again.

Parts of the story are predictable, and that is exactly what the intended audience needs to fully involve them in this ongoing story. Howe also has a way of recreating imagery that teems with sight, smell, and sound. Too bad most of us humans do not appreciate it like our canine friends.

Waggitt Again should be an added to the bookshelf. Readers who enjoyed the first volume will demand this edition when the buzz begins. While most ‘dog books’ seem to curry the favor of boys, Waggitt Again crosses the divide and invites girls to identify with the two most important Uprights in Waggitt’s young life, both girls. Don’t be mistaken; it’s not a ‘girls book’ either. It is a wonderful read for ages ten and up.

4 out of 5

John Parker
Media Coordinator
Andrews High School
Andrews, NC 28901

Waggit's Talke and Waggit Again!

I loved the characters created by Peter Howe. We grew up with books with talking animals. In today's society talking animal books have become taboo among writers. Peter Howe takes a risk and does it well. You are drawn in immediately and feel sorry for Waggit knowing his owner cared so little for him that he let him loose in Central Park to fend for himself.
You feel happy that Tazar takes Waggit under his protection.
Waggit is happy to dp his part to provide food and do his part for the pack.
He doesn't really believe all Uprights (another name for humans) are bad. In the end he is adopted by a human.
In Waggit Again! Waggit mistakenly thinks he has been abandoned again. He decides to head back to familiar territory and family, Central Park and Tazar. He doesn't know if they will attack him or if they will let him stay. On his trip to Central Park he hooks up with Felicia a woman who can communicate with animals. She helps him find his way to Central Park and helps take care of his friends for a while.
Both groups help you see the crisis faced by abandoned/stray dogs.
I give these books a rating of 5 and definately will recommend them. I look forward to more works by this author.

Waggit Again was a joy to read. The characters are easy to identify with and a joy to go on their journey with.
I came to appreciate the different dogs and root for them as well as Felicia because this book causes one to see the trials and tribulations through the eyes of a dog.
I rooted for Tazar and Waggit and was saddened by Olang's choices.
I am not familiar with the strays in Central Park, but this book does raise questions to ponder. Children can use this book as a stepping stone to learn about animal control and cruelty issues.
The glossary at the end of the book was helpful and an important aspect for me as I couldn't always remember the dog language.
I look forward to what the next book will hold for the team.
I give it a 4.

Waggit’s Tale and Waggit Again! by Peter Howe

What a treat to have a new talking animals book! Middle grade readers often enjoy books with animal characters and this one by Peter Howe is no disappointment. Waggit and Waggit Again remind me a bit of the "Hank the Cowdog" series. The canines in Waggit live in central park and have been dissapointed by thier "Uprights" (humans in their lives). Yet they form a team with a leader named Tazar and learn to survive together. The dog language is unique and fun to learn. Howe even includes a glossary in the back to help the reader understand and remember what the words mean. Waggit Again is equally wonderful as its predecessor Waggit. This time Waggit mistakenly thinks he has been left by his new adopted owner (the ending of waggitt) and wants to go back to his team in Central Park. Along his way he finds a new friend, Felicia and together they get him back to his leader Tazar. Throughout the tale, the reader learns that there are good dogs and bad dogs just as there are good humans and bad humans, the trick is to not make too quick a judgement so you can find out which they are. I enjoyed these books and feel they are great compliments to any gradeschool to middleschool library. I look forward to the next Waggit story which I have faith will be coming. Rating 5