Doggo and Pupper Save the World

March 1, 2022
Grades K-3 The second installment in this easy-reading series trots in a roster of positive behaviors and values (itemized at the end) as frisky young Pupper's wish to be a hero like Wonder Dog on TV is fulfilled when he discovers a baby bird hiding in a bush and, overcoming his nagging fear of giant squirrels, passes up a chance to hear a concert in the park to wait protectively with his older, slower canine companion, Doggo, until the fledgling is reunited with its mama. Before strolling back home paw in paw, the two pooches also take time to appreciate the "music" of ordinary sounds in the park and make a little of their own using twigs as drumsticks. Alder illustrates Applegate's simply phrased, contraction-free narrative with amiably informal cartoon scenes that capture all of the episode's sweet harmonies.

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Starred review from March 1, 2022

Gr 1-3-Applegate's second tale about two canine friends offers early readers another entertaining story about being kind to others. Upon observing a bird, Pupper voices his longing to fly; he likes to picture himself as a superhero in a red suit with yellow boots and flowing cape. One day, a baby bird flies from a nest, leaving its sibling alone. Doggo assures Pupper the fledgling "will fly when he is ready." The two dogs make plans to attend a music concert at the park, but when they arrive, they discover the second baby bird hiding under a bush. Pupper insists they stay close to make sure the fledgling is safe until its mother arrives; they miss the concert, but perform a good deed. Alder's humorous illustrations, created from a mix of collage and digital techniques, include Doggo lying on a bench with his legs crossed at the ankles; Cat snacking on Goldfish crackers; and Doggo's ability to use the TV remote control and willingness to teach Pupper to play the drums. The book concludes with "Pupper's Guide to Being a Hero," which lists 10 codes of conduct, including "Be helpful," "Imagine how others feel," and "Listen well." Pupper learns that while giving assistance to those in need may not always look flashy, it can still make one feel like a superhero. VERDICT A number of attractive features, including cartoon illustrations, seven short chapters, numbered pages, and being part of a series will entice early readers. A first purchase for libraries.-Maryann H. Owen

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Starred review from November 1, 2022
The doggie duo make a welcome return. In this second entry in the Doggo and Pupper early-reader series, the canine pals' distinctive personalities come more fully to the fore, and readers discover how close they truly are. Worrywart Pupper may be afraid of giant squirrels, but he longs to be a hero like Wonder Dog, whose exploits he marvels at on TV. He also has real drumming talent, nurtured by Doggo. Doggo is fully realized as a music-loving, tenderhearted, reassuring elder statesman who always has Pupper's back. In this outing, the pair also enjoy watching the babies in a family of neighboring nesting birds learn to fly. The dog pals' mutual interest in music, a concert the friends plan to attend in the local park, and a helpless fledgling who hasn't quite found its wings and requires rescuing--all these plot points culminate in a heartwarming ending that delivers a wonderful message about patience, kindness, and selflessness. Doggo and Pupper may not actually save the world here, but they do offer up a lovely reading experience for emergent readers through simple, dialogue-laden prose that beginning readers should be able to master readily. As in the first series title, the colorful collage and digital illustrations are energetic and endearing. "Pupper's Guide to Being a Hero," a 10-step list with suggestions such as "Be helpful" and "Share what you have," concludes the book. Seen only briefly, the dogs' owners appear to be light-skinned. Charming and utterly delightful. (Chapter book. 5-8)

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