Two dogs in a trench coat go to school by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Colin Jack

This author started with a picture book series, Snappsy the Alligator, which I personally disliked, even though everyone else seemed to be gushing over them. But this middle grade series, now THIS is funny. I laughed the whole way through.

Sassy and Waldo are Very Good Dogs. They keep the house free of squirrels, patrol for lost bits of food, and make sure their boy, Stewart, is happy. But Stewart isn't happy! Every day he has to go to this terrible place called School and he comes home smelling both bored and anxious. Sassy and Waldo decide they must do something! So, after several failed (and hilarious) attempts, they find an old trench coat, Waldo reveals that he's learned to speak from watching television, and they're off to school.

Waldo and Sassy introduce themselves as a student named Salty and they quickly decide that Stewart is a confusing boy because school is wonderful! Meaty lunches (why don't they get lunch?) fun projects, and a nice guy who wants to be their friend. What could be better? But Stewart's been hiding some secrets and there are a lot of surprises about school that Waldo and Sassy aren't expecting.

Black and white cartoons sprinkle the pages of this quirky story that will make you laugh and leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Waldo and Sassy are absolutely dogs and their explanation of squirrel mythos is hilarious. The teacher worried about spies, the bully who's not really a bully, it just made me laugh and keep smiling after the book was over.

Verdict: For kids who want a funny read, fans of Stick Dog, and anyone who wants a laugh break. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781338189513; Published May 2018 by Scholastic; Borrowed from another library in my consortium