Puppy Expert

Max is back again to share with young readers more of his expertise, this time about all things puppy. In a telling dedication, McAnulty dedicates the story to her own nieces with the encouragement, “Keep asking and it’ll happen someday,” foreshadowing Max’s secret to step one, “Get a puppy”: Ask a lot. He also flawlessly reasons that while dogs might be lots of work, so is “picking up your room. And washing behind your ears.” While he ultimately realizes—after midnight wake-up calls, indoor potty accidents, and more—that dogs are a lot of work, they’re also “A lot of cute. A lot of cuddle. A lot of love”—which gives him an idea for the perfect name for his own puppy: “Alotta.” With clever inclusions throughout, including witty observations from Max’s grandma, who dryly observes that Max’s dog will think her name is “NoNoNo” since that’s all Max tells her, McAnulty creates an endearing story, with a little instructive commentary, for puppy lovers, especially those, like apparently her own nieces, wishing for one of their own. Hocking’s gouache and colored pencil illustrations are bright and playful, skillfully emphasizing both the work and the delight that a beloved pet can bring.