Don't trust cats (Life lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt

 It seems to be inevitable that sequels are never quite as good as the first book, and while this is true in this case, the sequel is still pretty funny!

I love reading Petty's I don't want to be a frog to audiences (although the factual inaccuracies drive me nuts) and my staff and I all thought the first Chip the Dog book was hilarious, as he solemnly imparts his wisdom about what is, and is not, edible. In his second book, the humor is more subtle, but still there as Chip trots onto the page, watched by a smirking gray tabby. 

Chip is a good dog! He has learned many things! The most important thing is DON'T TRUST CATS. Fortunately, there are many things you, as a dog, can trust, like squirrels, porcupines, and, of course, your persons! Then there is the park, full of "trustastic" things like big friendly dogs and fire hydrants. Watch out for the vacuum, cacti, visitors and, of course cats. Unless they introduce you to new friends or seem very sorry and share treats....

Boldt's art shows a round-bellied, enthusiastic, but not too bright pup who bounces through life with boundless enthusiasm , watched by the smirking gray tabby. The text is a little longer than I usually like in a read-aloud, but it's in a big font and kids won't mind a little longer story when it's told in the cheery tones of Chip! Kids love feeling like they're in on the joke and are sure to laugh from beginning to end, yelling out warnings to Chip as he imparts his "life lessons."

Verdict: If you can only purchase one, go with the first title, but try not to miss out on this sequel as kids will definitely want to see more adventures of Chip - and don't forget to share them with your colleagues for a good laugh as well!

ISBN: 9780593706787; Published January 2024 by Doubleday; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library