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When it comes to the exuberant (and aptly named) dog Zippy, there can be too much of a good thing in Bad Dog School, written by Barbara M. Joosse and illustrated by Jennifer Plecas.
Harris and Zippy have lots and lots of fun together -- maybe too much fun. After Zippy makes too many huge messes, disrupts phone calls with his howling, and even absconds with the pork chops intended for dinner, a family discussion ensues, and it is decided that obedience school is the only option.
After a bit of a rocky start, Zippy becomes the star student of his class, but at quite a cost; obedience school turns Zippy into a dog that is too obedient, too fancy, and no longer fun. Another family discussion follows, and an unorthodox plan is hatched – they will retrain Zippy through Bad Dog School. The goal is to get “…the fun Zippy back…but with some manners.”
Joosse’s story is charming and original and doesn’t talk down to kids. Plecas’s illustrations are great at capturing the emotions of Harris and his family, Zippy in particular. When, after obedience school, the mom “accidentally” drops a piece of popcorn, Zippy just sits there, a picture of restraint, but with an endearingly pained expression. Another amusing image is that of the variety of dog owners in the class and their similarities to their dogs.
Bad Dog School is a fun book, celebrating the bond between a boy and his dog, and also portraying a considerate family, working together to overcome their pooch problems.
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Bad Dog School