This is a delightful, accessible early chapter book that hits the sweet spot for kids transitioning to longer reads. Erin Entrada Kelly—who won Newbery Medals for heavier, more complex work—brings her storytelling skill to a lighter, funnier format here, and it shows. The premise is silly and engaging without being chaotic, the illustrations keep visual learners hooked, and the emotional core (friendship, problem-solving, empathy for animals) is solid.
It's not going to change anyone's life or win literary awards, but that's not the point. This is a confidence-builder for emerging readers, a page-turner for animal-obsessed kids, and a genuinely funny story about what it's like to suddenly have four legs and a tail you can't control. Publishers Weekly starred it for good reason—it's just right for its audience.
If your kid is 6-8 and loves dogs, this is an easy win. If they're 10+ and reading Harry Potter, they'll probably find it too young. Know your audience.






