An adorable kid's book-- a spoiler review.

books:

	• Dog Diaries: Secret Writings of the WOOF Society Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey, ... Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2007 - 80 pages average customer review:based on 2 reviews view larger image
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A delightful, fun light read

Dogs are gathering for the first annual meeting of the WOOF Society, chaired by an Irish wolfhound, to listen to the secret diaries of dogs from around the world and through history...the result is a hilarious dog's-eye view of the human and animal world in a series of short story vignettes spiced with black and white photos throughout by Erik Brooks. A delightful, fun light read sure to attract leisure readers seeking easier chapter book formats beyond the very basic stage.

An adorable kid's book-- a spoiler review.

I borrowed this from the library because I spotted it on the new shelf and saw that it contained some dogs I knew I was going to like. ;)
This cute little work of juvenile fiction is a collection of biographical short stories by dogs, read by other dogs assembled in a meeting of the WOOF Society--Words Of Our Friends, a new canine literacy organization for enlightened pooches. It's run by a noble old Irish Wolfhound called Beauregard.

Dogs of various breeds and mixes are present (and cutely illustrated in a black and white cartoonish style by Erik Brooks) at the WOOF meeting, from Dobermans, Jack Russells, and Basset hounds to Dalmatians, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Borzoi. The stories read start about as far back in canine history as possible, with Abu, the feathered Saluki who is the mighty Pharaoh of all Egypt, a swift hunter, a courageous warrior--and has an interesting relationship with the Royal Cat, a constant shadow looming over his otherwise illustrious reign. No breeds are specified in the stories, but most can be known.

Next, a little Pekingese discovers the power of names and that the naming of dogs, like the naming of cats, is an important matter.

Then, a Cocker spaniel makes enemies with the animal under the sink that gets all the delicious, moldy food scraps that he craves.

In "Dawg Strikes Gold," well written in the narrator's dialect, a droopy hound dog and a horse make a discovery that helps their poor master. (Stories with specific historical settings have them listed under the title--for instance, this one is Colorado, 1892.)

Following that, a sweet little mutt named Tidbit tells of how he came to perform at the Grand Ole Opry with Johnny Cash. The story also includes Dolly Parton. Hmm, dogs singing at the Opry--reminds me of The Fox & the Hound 2 in December of 2006! =)

Next up is the intense tale of Marcus, an Italian Greyhound who miraculously escapes Pompeii as Vesuvius erupts. This one is a bit more serious and scary than most.

Then there's Roscoe, a pretty wise young pug-faced Bully pup concerned with impressing Venus, the Poodle next door--if only he didn't have Tiger the monstrous cat to worry about.

Miniature Poodle Mimi from Paris then offers essential advice on such practical matters as bathroom protocol, hiding, and table manners.

The stories get a little more intense again at the end. First, a mutt named Bo (possibly a Lab/Great Dane) accidentally leads a bank robber to his home during his quest for school lunches. Fortunately, the escapade ultimately leads to the crook's downfall.
In a bittersweet and almost very sad story, a mixed breed named Jip (maybe part Beagle, Spaniel, and/or some other things) accompanies his boy into war and winds up playing guide dog, leading him back to the place he thought he'd never see again.

And finally, a Labrador named Lucy nurses two abandoned kittens and adopts them into her now-blended family.

All of these Dog Diaries stories are extremely well received by the WOOF congregation, and by the time the meeting adjourns, they're all eagerly awaiting the next meeting, where they're to be joined by a like-minded group of felines...except perhaps for that one disgruntled Doberman. But naw, I think he learned his lesson.

So, what to make of the book in the end? Hey, at 20 I found it an entertaining, humorous, interesting, touching little quick read, so I can only imagine that for kids it'll be equally fun and particularly pleasing to the young dog lover.

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What do dogs really think about their two-legged companions?

It is the first annual meeting of the WOOF Society. Dogs of different backgrounds and breeds have gathered to hear the secret diaries of its members.
Abu is the ruler of ancient Egypt, but Miu, the Royal Cat, constantly irritates him?except at night. Tidbit, born the runt of the litter, becomes a star singer at the Grand Ole Opry. Jip leads his blinded master back home from the Civil War. Mimi, a dog living in Paris, shares her tips on bathroom protocol and dinnertime etiquette.
These humorous and touching stories, complemented by Erik Brooks?s black-and-white illustrations, are sure to appeal to dog lovers of all ages.

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