PB Review: Trouble Dog
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero by Carol A. Foote, illus. by Larry Day (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 48p., ages 5-9, 9780802855817)
Trouble Dog deftly tells the story of Tucker, a sweet pup with boundless energy, who, after a few failed attempts, is adopted by a woman who recognizes his potential.
Tucker loves to play. But all his romping, CRASHING energy means he's returned to the shelter so frequently, the attendant begins to warn visitors, "Not this dog. He's trouble." Months go by, until Laura finds him and wonders if "maybe he's the right kind of trouble." Laura begins to harness Tucker's exuberance with special training. She introduces "a strange, new smell" and when Tucker recognizes that smell, they play. She tries hard to trick him but "Tucker's nose never fail[s]." She introduces other smells until they are working with a conservationist in Hawaii to find invasive rosy wolfsnails. The pair continues to seek out invasive and endangered plants and animals, helping scientists to study them. Tucker becomes a romping, leaping, crashing hero, who also finds love in his "forever home."
Journalist and debut picture book author Carol Foote's text is as buoyant as her protagonist, with plenty of heart for good measure. Her story champions second--and third, even fourth--chances, along with the idea that some deeply hidden talents may need extra care and attention to flourish. Larry Day (
Found) uses a loose line in his watercolor illustrations that allows his fully saturated colors to bleed and blend, creating a natural feel of movement to mimic Tucker's playful nature. Backmatter explains that
Trouble Dog is based on "the true story" of Pepin and Wicket and includes plenty of fascinating facts about conservation dogs. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author. Originally printed in
Shelf Awareness.
