Crackers, a perky blue dog, and Butter, a plum orange cat, have settled into life with Peanut the puppy after a tricky start and are getting ready to teach him about the newest phase of life - doggy school! Unfortunately, Peanut and Crackers are quickly separated and Peanut faces some mean small dog bullies. When Crackers and Butter notice how upset Peanut is, they both hatch plans to help him out, with varying success. Ultimately, Peanut is the one who figures things out - and makes friends even with the meanest small dogs.
Braddock's Schulz-inspired artwork is simple and colorful, showing a pack of miscellaneous puppies and lots of humor in their expressions and behavior. Peanut is both very human and very dog - he thinks quickly and cleverly to save his fur family when they're in trouble, but he still loses focus every few minutes and isn't quite sure how this confusing human world works. Kids will relate to Peanut's worries and trials in his first days at school and the humor throughout the story will keep them giggling.
The simple text and bold illustrations continue the beginning chapter reading level of this series, although this book is a little more challenging, switching between the characters in different places; Butter at home and on the go and Crackers trying to find his way through the pens to help out Peanut. It's a nice blend of challenges and simplicity that, combined with the humor, will encourage readers to keep going.
Verdict: If you are developing a beginning chapter graphic collection or if you serve early elementary students, this is a must-have series to attract young readers.
ISBN: 9780593117460; Published June 2021 by Viking; Purchased for the library; Review copy provided by the publisher
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