“THE TROUBLE WITH DOGS...” SAID DAD

A tiny, unruly puppy named Dave is the focal character in this follow-up to “Let’s Get a Pup!” Said Kate (2001). In that story, Kate and her parents adopted two dogs from a shelter: little Dave and a big, elderly female named Rosy. In the sequel, Dave has been misbehaving for months, so the family calls in a strict dog trainer known as the Brigadier. His loud and strict (but not cruel) methods cause Dave to lose his boisterous spirit and behave submissively. Kate concludes that Dave doesn’t like shouting and should be treated politely rather than disciplined. The family and the trainer abruptly reverse themselves and give in to Dave’s misbehavior, allowing him to eat from the trainer’s plate at the table. The final page shows the two dogs sprawled out on the best seats in the house with their owners doting on them. Graham’s loose, cartoon-style illustrations in watercolor and ink are full of motion and humorous details (including a mom with a tattoo and a nose ring), and Dave the puppy is appealing—if not well-mannered. (Picture book. 3-6)