October 1, 2009
Gr 2-4-Bobby Quinn got his beagle in "Absolutely Lucy" (Golden Bks., 2000). In this book, the eight-year-old is still dealing with fears of speaking in school and making friends, but having a puppy is helping him. When the local Pet-O-Rama store has a contest to choose the best "spokespet," Bobby decides to enter Lucy. After he learns that he has to give a speech as part of the competition, he must decide whether or not he can overcome his fear of public speaking. This beginning chapter book has realistic characters that readers can identify with and root for. Bobby's friends care about and want success for one another. The action and suspense will keep children engaged. The occasional drawings lend graphic support, and the cute puppy on the cover will attract animal lovers."Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2009
In this entertaining if predictable story, Bobby is still shy, even with two new friends and the love of his beagle, Lucy. Upcoming oral reports at school make him nervous, but entering Lucy in a pet contest builds his confidence and gives him something to report. Bobby's shyness is a refreshing change from the usual exuberantly portrayed eight-year-old narrators.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)