"Paws down, Fergus is one memorable pooch." – Publishers Weekly (starred review)"An irrepressibly charming canine." – Kirkus ReviewsBank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the YearBulletin Blue RibbonsIRA Children's ChoicesCCBC ChoicesNew York Times Notable Children's BooksALA Notable Children's Books,3x3 Children's Book AwardGryphon AwardParents' Choice Award
Although readers have to look closely to find him, David Shannon's family dog, Fergus, puts in an Alfred Hitchcock-styled cameo appearance in all of the author's bestselling picture books. Now the willful little Westie gets star billing in his own story, a charming canine caper that captures the essence of this highly independent terrier breed. It's hard to say what will tickle readers more: Fergus's shenanigans or his pushover owner's enabling behavior. (Parental advisory: Be prepared for kids to ratchet up the "Can we get a dog?" refrain!)
Judging from his picture-book repertoire, Shannon (No, David!) knows well how exuberant types tend to get into trouble. His buoyant new work keeps the streak going, this time depicting the spunky, yet ever-so-natural behavior of a family dog (the Shannon family in fact-Fergus the West Highland terrier has appeared somewhere in all of Shannon's books). The morning routine is off to a good start when Fergus's partially seen owner lets him out, but things quickly take a turn: "Ready... set... Cat!" A feline sighting sends Fergus into a frenzy and, once outside, the pepped-up pooch will not come back in. (A hand-lettered page of the owner's verbal entreaties is a hoot.) Digging up a potted plant, getting a bath, taking a fur-fluffing spin in the car and begging for scraps at the table round out Fergus's fun-filled day (and reveal the unseen owner as a true pushover). Through it all, he's commended with "Good boy, Fergus!" Shannon's mixed-media illustrations, in the style of his David books, crackle with personality. Fergus's expressions and poses will be both funny and familiar to dog lovers, and the predominantly close-up perspective offers an immediacy that makes readers feel included in every second of the tail-wagging action. Paws down, Fergus is one memorable pooch. Ages 3-6. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
PreS-Gr 2-Reading this story is like having a romp with the funniest dog in town. As the book opens, two lines of text ("Good morning, Fergus!/Want to go out?") frame the irrepressible face of a furry white terrier, black button eyes glistening with excitement. Subsequent pages feature the pup's adventures chasing cats and motorbikes, scratching and being scratched, playing in the dirt, begging for meatballs, and riding in the car. No matter what the animal does, his master's refrain is-you guessed it. Readers see everything from a terrier-sized perspective, and they rarely see anyone but Fergus. When he is trampling his owner to request a walk, they catch just a glimpse of a human face. The motorcyclist's face is so covered with gear as to be generic. The more intimate portraits here are of things of interest to Fergus-spaghetti and meatballs, for example, or the whipped cream that he likes on his kibble. Shannon's artwork is like an overstuffed sofa: colorful, homey, and bouncy. A riotous book to unleash on all readers-even those who own cats.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Fergus is a West Highland terrier, an irrepressibly charming canine based on the real-life pet of the author, who clearly knows a thing or two about mischievous main characters. In this offering, the unnamed narrator (an adult male) attempts to discipline his dog, Fergus, who could be a shaggy version of No, David! (1998), but the little pup clearly has the upper hand in the household. The owner tells Fergus what to do, but each time the dog does just as he pleases until the owner caves in, rewarding Fergus with the refrain, "Good boy, Fergus!" Readers see Fergus right at his level as he goes through his day and at each activity finds a new sort of mischief or a new way to be pampered by his adoring owner. Preschoolers will enjoy the large-format full of over-sized text and hysterical pictures of the disobedient dog who gets his way every time, right down to holding out for whipped cream on top of his dog food. Yes, Fergus! (Picture book. 3-6)
