2010, Juvenile Fiction
WISE Score
Homer Pudding inherits a droopy dog that can't smell and a mysterious coin, kicking off a quest to join a secret society of explorers.
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This is exactly the kind of book that turns kids into readers. It’s quirky, fast, and doesn't talk down to its audience. Homer Pudding is a relatable farm kid who doesn't have superpowers; he just has a dog that can't smell and a lot of heart.
If your kid is into mysteries or quirky animal stories, this is a slam dunk. It avoids the gloom of A Series of Unfortunate Events while keeping the 'secret world' intrigue that makes middle-grade fiction so sticky.
Perfect for the 8-12 crowd. It's a great 'bridge' book for kids who are ready for more complex plots but still want the fun and pacing of a younger adventure.
Strong focus on family legacy, perseverance, and the bond between a boy and his (admittedly useless) dog. It models finding value in things that seem 'broken.'
The 'Legendary Organization of Spies and Treasure-Seekers' (L.O.S.T.) provides a fun, secret-world backdrop that invites kids to look for hidden mysteries in their own lives.
Very safe middle-grade territory. The 'conniving' museum manager is a classic, non-threatening antagonist, and the peril is handled with a light, humorous touch.
Excellent vocabulary and a narrative that encourages unconventional problem-solving. It avoids the 'special child' trope by making the hero and his pet genuinely average.
In a genre crowded with 'chosen ones' and super-powered sidekicks, Suzanne Selfors gives us Homer Pudding and a dog simply named Dog. Homer lives on a dairy farm and dreams of the life his Uncle Loxley led as a world-famous explorer. When Loxley goes missing, Homer is left with a mysterious coin and a dog that is technically a treasure-hunter but lacks the one skill necessary for the job: a sense of smell.
What makes Smells Like Dog work is the irony. The dog's 'disability' is a central plot point, forcing Homer to rely on his own wits rather than a magical animal ex machina. The world-building around the Legendary Organization of Spies and Treasure-Seekers (L.O.S.T.) is just detailed enough to feel real without bogging down the plot in lore.
It's a solid choice for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society or Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. The writing is crisp, the chapters are short, and the stakes feel high without ever becoming truly frightening. It’s a 2010 release, but it hasn't aged a day because the themes of wanting to be more than 'ordinary' are universal.
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