THE ADVENTURES OF MILO AND FLEA

In this children’s book, a feline teaches the family’s new puppy how to act like a cat.

Milo, a yellow and white tabby, has ruled his household for three years now, and he likes it that way. The feline is not pleased when his human servants bring home Flea, a chocolate Lab puppy. “This will not do,” he concludes. He gets the puppy in trouble, criticizes him for failing to catch birds, and then suggests a self-improvement plan: “We could turn you into a cat.” The puppy does his best to follow instructions that go against his nature. Worried about these behavior changes, the family decides to cheer Flea up by taking him to a dog park, where he has a great time. A new friend explains: “My boy, you’ve been bamboozled by a cat.” Flea embraces his canine traits and gets a great notion—he could teach Milo how to have real fun, like a dog. The feline is not exactly open to this idea, so an ungrudging Flea asks for more cat lessons. On a bird-catching mission, Milo falls into a pond and Flea rescues him. Milo still feels superior but thanks Flea and becomes reconciled to a friendship. In her book, Bensley offers a very amusing scenario that contrasts feline hauteur with canine eagerness to please. Occasionally, off notes intrude, as when poor Flea is hit by one of his human caretakers for misbehavior (not a recommended training method) and allowed to roam the neighborhood. Overall, though, the tale demonstrates much appreciation for animals and helps kids understand the difficulties of integrating a new pet into a household. Harder provides monochrome pencil illustrations that perfectly capture the story’s humor and dynamic energy while conveying animal personalities.

A delightfully absurd tale with an affectionate understanding of the truth about cats and dogs.