Publishers Weekly
This comedic adventure by Beck (Buttercup's Lovely Day) stars a “pedigreed pooch” who is preparing for the poodle championships. Pierre's training includes sessions on the treadmill, show-dog classes and visits to the pet parlor, but he would rather be running around and playing outside with the other dogs. At the championships, Pierre slips out an open door and “followed his nose to the nearest park.” Though he has fun getting down and dirty with his new pals—chasing squirrels and rolling in “anything he pleased”—he misses Miss Murphy, his beloved owner, and finally makes his way back to her. Kids will get a kick out of Miss Murphy's poodlesque tresses as well as Pierre's transformation into “a glorious mess” during his time on the streets, which Beck depicts in copious detail in both text and art: “He was covered in garbage—chocolate syrup, chewing gum, fish guts and fries, bottle caps, bits of paper, spaghetti and cheese...” (the list goes on). Beck trots out a time-tested theme—there is indeed no place like home—and executes it with pizzazz. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)
Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
"The detailed, soft-color illustrations add to the emotion of Pierre's misadventure in the park. This poofy poodle will endear himself to any reader, and dog lovers especially will want this book on their shelves. Children will look forward to Pierre's next adventure as author-illustrator, Andrea Beck, continues this series."
St. Albert Gazette
"[Beck] uses a language that is whimsical, playful and as energetic as a four-legged fur ball…A straightforward, uncomplicated story that makes an excellent teaching tool without losing any of the fun."
Resource Links
"The narrative is fun and engaging with a humour that can appeal to both children and adults…This is a sweet story about the importance of finding the balance between taking appropriate risks in our lives and accepting who we are and what we like."
CM Magazine
"Detailed, humorous and lively illustrations bring out the personality of Pierre and his owner. The appealing and expressive drawings give a special charm to this delightful story...[Young readers] will welcome additional stories about this spunky poodle...Recommended."
Quill & Quire
"[A] delicious romp…The images, particularly, reinforce in a lively and humorous way the loving bond between Miss Murphy and her pampered pooch…The first of a series about Pierre, a dog whose further adventures it will be a pleasure to follow."
Tucson Unified School District
"A warm and fuzzy kind of book. Recommended."
Library Media Connection
"Beck's illustrations are brilliant. Her detailed and colorful drawings add much to this simple story."
Booklist
"Dog and owner bear a strong resemblance to each other in airy ink-and-watercolor pictures that delightfully go for the laughs…Will amuse preschoolers."
Booklist
"Dog and owner bear a strong resemblance to each other in airy ink-and-watercolor pictures that delightfully go for the laughs…Will amuse preschoolers."
