Bad Dog Flash by Ruth Paul

This is a simple but sweet story. Sometimes it's nice to have a simple, fun picture book that's not ground-breaking or unique or award-winning - just a nice, solid story with friendly illustrations.

Simple couplets tell the story of puppy Flash who just keeps getting into trouble. "Sniff shoes. Lick shoes. Gnaw shoes. More shoes! Uh-oh...your shoes? Bad dog, Flash." Each mishap ends with a "Bad dog" for poor Flash until he finally does something right.

Ruth Paul's illustrations have a cozy, fuzzy feel that I usually associate with British picture books (she's from New Zealand, so I suppose was inspired by many British titles). Flash is an adorably naughty puppy with faint pink spots on his cheeks and a sprinkle of speckles across the pages showing the trail of dirt and destruction he leaves behind.

Verdict: A light and fun story. Great for toddler and preschool storytimes, when the kids will enjoy chorusing "Bad dog, Flash" and finding the puppy's naughty behavior on each page.

ISBN: 9781492610531; Published 2014 by Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library