THE NEW CADETS

Burns’ middle-grade fantasy novel, the first in a series, introduces a uniquely gifted cadre of stuffed dogs recruited by the Bureau of Dreams to help children deal with nightmares.

A handsome, stuffed yellow Labrador sits on the top shelf of a toy store, hoping someone will buy him and bring him home. When a middle-aged couple enter the store and look up at him, the dog (who will soon be called Oliver) senses something different about these humans. The man walks over to him and pretends to study the small toys sitting on a lower shelf. He begins talking to Oliver, and, much to the Lab’s surprise, the man can “hear” Oliver’s responses (“‘You are hearing me, aren’t you?’ Oliver said. The man looked up. ‘Clear as a bell’”). In short order, the couple purchases Oliver, hides him in their car, and begins a long road trip to a site known as the “Outer Station.” Along the way, they explain to Oliver the secret mission of the Bureau of Dreams, cautioning him about other people who know of their work and want to steal the stuffed pups for their own nefarious purposes. At the Outer Station, Oliver meets other stuffed dogs of various breeds and sizes who enthusiastically welcome him into their fold. Several days later, the group of pups and their accompanying human, Amy, embark on a train ride that takes them to the Dream Ranger training academy, located in a mystical place known as Crossover. Aside from a dangerous car chase and escape during one of the recruitment expeditions and a hair-raising misadventure in Crossover (during which things look dire for Oliver and Diggity the Dachshund), the gentle narrative is a joyful frolic. Each of the dogs has his or her own personality, all of them delightful and doing their best to acclimate to the miraculous physical changes they undergo on the train and in Crossover. Wilhelm’s black-and-white illustrations lend the proceedings some additional charm. A healthy dose of humorous antics and dialogue should keep young readers engaged, but those hoping to learn how the Rangers work their way into children’s dreams will have to wait for Burns’ promised sequel.

An enjoyable and imaginative series opener, with teaser threads left dangling.