  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 06/01/2014 Charlie dislikes school so much that on Sunday nights, he can’t sleep. Looking enviously at his snoozing dog, Norman, Charlie sighs, “I wish I was a dog.” The next morning, Charlie wakes up on the floor and sees Norman in his bed. He watches his mother pat the dog’s head and tell him that it’s time for school. The two switch places for an entire week before Charlie decides that he’s had enough and wishes to be a boy again. Defined by bold lines, rounded shapes, and bright colors, the artwork features amusing pictures of the dog maneuvering classroom activities and the boy doing typical doggy things, including drinking out of the toilet, a scene sure to draw laughs. The choice to illustrate Charlie always as a boy and Norman as a dog makes the visual humor work, though kids may wonder why no one else notices the switch. Still, the story reads aloud well, and the digital artwork adds to the fun. - Copyright 2014 Booklist. School Library Journal - 07/01/2014 PreS-Gr 1—Rather than face the grind of practicing his letters, drawing pictures, and trying to explain himself to his teacher, young Charlie wishes he could trade places with his carefree dog, Norman, on Sunday night. When his mother comes to wake him for school on Monday morning, it seems that his wish has come true. Hilarity ensues as Norman tries out the boy's activities throughout the week…with mixed results. He does fine with playing house, kickball, and maracas, but the teacher scolds him "for chewing his pencil, and the table, and her shoes." Meanwhile, Charlie stares out the window watching leaves fall, drinks from the toilet bowl, and endures a trip to the groomer. At week's end, and relegated to the backyard, Charlie wishes to be a boy once again. This clever text explores the "grass is always greener" notion with a deadpan delivery and Biggs's delightful, boldly outlined cartoon art extends the humor and brings down the (dog) house. The perfect choice for any reluctant scholars.—Luann Toth, School Library Journal - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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