Katt vs. Dogg – James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein

Katt vs. Dogg by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Hachette Book Group Canada
Published: April 1st, 2019
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Recommended Age: 7+
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Adventure, Animals, Humor

---

REVIEW:

You know, I didn’t expect to actually learn meaningful information about cats and dogs from this fiction book, but that’s my fault for underestimating a middle grade story as well as the great James Patterson himself. For example, I had no idea cats could climb up trees easily but had difficulty climbing down them.

Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship

Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Published: April 2018
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genres & Themes: Picture Book, Disability, Animals, Adaptation, Friendship

---

BLURB:

Rescue thought he’d grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog — it’s the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he’s better suited to being a service dog, he’s worried that he’s not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she’d imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. An endnote from the authors tells more about the training and extraordinary abilities of service dogs, particularly their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue.

Dogs: From Predator to Protector

Science Comics: Dogs: From Predator to Protector by Andy Hirsch

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
First Published: October 21st, 2017
Publisher: First Second
Recommended Age: 9+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Nonfiction, Animals, Genetics, Evolution

---

BLURB:

How well do you know our favorite furry companion? Did they really descend from wolves? What’s the difference between a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard? And just how smart are they? Join one friendly mutt on a journey to discover the secret origin of dogs, how genetics and evolution shape species, and where in the world his favorite ball bounced off to.

Review: Lucy by Randy Cecil

Lucy by Randy Cecil

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Publication Date: August 2nd, 2016
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Recommended Age: All
Pacing: Fast
Genres & Themes: Children, Picture Books, Animals, Family

---

BLURB:

A tiny dog, a kindhearted girl, and a nervous juggler converge in a cinematic book in four acts.

Lucy is a small dog without a home. She had one once, but she remembers it only in her dreams. Eleanor is a little girl who looks forward to feeding the stray dog that appears faithfully beneath her window each day. Eleanor’s father is a juggler with stage fright.

Review: The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Edelweiss
Publication Date: May 3rd, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Point of View: 1st Person & Feminine
Recommended Age: 13+
Genres &  Themes: Young Adult, Contemporary, Summer, Animals, Romance, Family, Friendship

BLURB:

Andie had it all planned out.

When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.

Important internship? Check.

Amazing friends? Check.

Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks)

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life.

Because here’s the thing – if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected.

And where’s the fun in that?