Larry: The King of Rock and Roll

by Iris Rainer Dart, Joyce Brotman

Overview

Did you know dogs can talk? Well, neither did Cathy and her father, Tom, a songwriter struggling with a new tune—that is, until their pet dog Larry opened his mouth and helped Tom finish the song!

Once Larry reveals he can not only talk but sing, there’s no stopping him. In no time, he’s on stage singing for sold-out audiences. Even the President of the United States is a fan of Larry. But soon enough, fame goes to Larry’s head: he drops Tom from his act, abandons Cathy and moves in with his agent. By the time of his showcase gig at the Hollywood Bowl, it’s clear he’s the king of rock and roll—but at what cost?

A fun-filled, tongue-in-cheek romp through the world of music stardom, Larry: The King of Rock and Roll is sure to win this lovable pooch a whole new legion of fans—young readers everywhere!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781101042816
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	01/18/2007
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	248 KB
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Iris Rainer Dart and Joyce Brotman areold friends and big dog lovers. Author of the classic novel and movie Beaches, Iris lives in Pebble Beach, California. Joyce lives in Beverly Hills.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 4–6
Larry appears to be an average dog: loyal, faithful, and eager to please. The fluffy Maltese goes everywhere with his family, and loves nothing more than cuddling up with 10-year-old Cathy. Therefore, Cathy and her father, Tom, are understandably shocked when one day Larry gets hot under the collar and chews them out—in words. The premise is that Larry, and all dogs for that matter, can talk. They are simply more highly evolved beings who recognize the importance of their reticent role in society. Larry's role, however, changes quickly as he embarks on a successful musical career with Tom, who is a songwriter. Hounded by success and pawed by fame, Larry loses sight of his family, friends, and, ultimately, himself. Fortunately, Cathy and Tom eventually intervene and shepherd him home to forgiveness and reconciliation. Underneath its sweet, silly surface, this story touches on several issues that are important to today's children. Divorce, shared custody, new relationships, and difficult choices are all central themes. While the story flows fairly smoothly, the characters feel somewhat flat, and some key cultural references are a bit out of date, something most readers of this age will notice. Still, children begging for stories about pets will find this an entertaining read.
—Tracy H. ChrenkaCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Familiar tropes get turned on their furry little ears in this barbed, video-ready rock-and-roll tale. Having already revealed to his human family-divorced songwriter Tom and his sad daughter Cathy-that he can talk, write music and sing, Larry (a dustmop-like Maltese) goes public and becomes an instant international sensation. The fame going straight to his head, Larry proclaims his act to be bigger than the Beatles, and proceeds to alienate Tom, Cathy and all of his fellow dogs, too, with his boasting and snotty behavior. Though played for laughs, there are some sharp edges here; despite his fame, Larry gets the same cold shoulder at hotels and restaurants that African-American performers did (do?), and even acquiring a "Yoko" in luscious fellow Maltese Maggie doesn't save him from the revelation that it's lonely at the top. Though yanked around by the tension between his big ego and an ingrained streak of doggy loyalty, Larry never does become a sympathetic character, and even indiscriminate readers may wince at the utterly pat happy ending. Still, the idea of a small dog belting ballads and busting moves atop a grand piano has its attractions. Let the casting begin. (Fantasy. 10-12)

Kirkus Reviews