  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 05/01/2012 PreS-Gr 2—Printz-winner Going aces her picture-book debut with this comical saga of a tutu-wearing bulldog who is the designated cat-sitter while the humans are at the store. Once the car leaves the driveway, five cats of varying breeds skedaddle from the sofa to spill milk, stir up fireplace ash, empty the hamper, disrupt a vanity, and more. Dog worries that their raucous acting out will reflect badly on him: "Would he still be a good Dog, a smart Dog, the very best Dog?" His idea to entice good behavior with kibbles disappears with his own hunger. As he naps, the cats remember that they love Dog and bring the house back to perfect order as the family arrives. Dog gets his rewards, then observes the pile of sleeping felines and thinks, "Good cats…Smart cats. The very best cats." Going's sentence structure reflects the hero's thought patterns and her sound effects ("Fwomp!") escalate the humor. Santat's realistic cartoons feature priceless expressions and poses. This is a treat for all pet lovers.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA — - Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/15/2012 Dog has got it going on! He can sit, stay, dance, and gobble up treats to the pride of his owners: “Good Dog. Smart Dog. The very best dog.” When the people leave the house, they tell Dog to make sure the five cats don’t get into any mischief. Which, of course, they do. Dog chases one off the kitchen counter (milk spills everywhere), from behind the fireplace (there goes a cloud of ash), out of the hamper (cue underwear explosion), and more. Filled with canine anxiety that he will no longer be showered with human love, Dog gorges on cat food and passes out. This is a classic romp, with Santat’s expressive cartoon animals bounding about from various pet-level perspectives; the scenes of Dog’s dwindling, imaginary dog-treat nirvana are especially funny. Going brings it home with a sweet ending in which the cats (“they loved Dog”) tidy up the house while he sleeps, and snuggle up to him when they’re finished. “Good cats,” thinks Dog. “Smart cats. The very best cats.” - Copyright 2012 Booklist. Loading...
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