From the Publisher
"Applegate’s second tale about two canine friends offers early readers another entertaining story about being kind to others. ... will entice early readers." —School Library Journal, starred review
"The doggie duo make a welcome return...[delivering] 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. Charming and utterly delightful." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Praise for Doggo and Pupper:
A winning new series." —Booklist, starred review
"Applegate’s simple text and Alder’s comedic cartoons come together like a short animated film, just right for amusing early readers." —Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal
★ 03/01/2022
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
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2022-10-12
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)
