WELCOME TO THE WOOFMORE

A swanky new hotel welcomes its first VIP (Very Important Pooch).

With a large hat, big sunglasses, and a recognizable voice, movie star Greta Garbark attracts attention everywhere she goes. Much like her real-life Hollywood counterpart, however, the retriever wants to be left alone, and Rufus, general hotel factotum at the Woofmore, is determined to make her happy at the behest of his boss, a brown Chihuahua named Ms. Coco. Rufus—a large, hairy canine with floppy ears, a bow tie, and a striped jacket—immediately thinks of a suitable disguise for Ms. Garbark. She’s treated to a new “furstyle” and a “Pupster Purple” dye job at the Sudsy Spa. Now if she just stays quiet, no one will know it’s her. Keeping the “puparazzi” at bay is easy enough, but soon Rufus notices the other guests scratching themselves. Could the hotel have a flea infestation? Luckily, Ms. Garbark may have the “pawfect” solution. Kids will be amused by earnest, endearing Rufus and his habit of passing gas when he’s nervous (a joke that gets a bit strained over time). With puns galore and retro, caricaturelike illustrations depicting many dog breeds, including a “poodle in pearls” and a “husky in a hat,” this funny early chapter book will easily find an audience, though adults may have to explain the references to Greta Garbo.

A waggish new series tailor-made made for dog lovers.