Author: Suzanne Selfors
Pages: 368
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 1, 2010
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.3, Interest Level - 4th-8th, Points: 10.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7153986-smells-like-dog?ac=1
In a nutshell: When aspiring treasure hunter Homer Pudding receives the news that his uncle has met an untimely death, he's completely distraught, but when he discovers he's been left his uncle's most prized possession, a droopy basset hound with a mysterious coin on his collar, Homer realizes this may be his ticket to finally leave his family's goat farm and follow in his uncle's footsteps as a treasure hunter.
I'd recommend it to grades: 3 to 7
I'd recommend it to: fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society series and the Pseudonymous Bosch series and dog lovers
What I like most about this book: Aside from the obvious fact that it's a dog book (and the author even assures you up front that the dog won't die...yay!), I also loved the supporting cast in this one. There's a giant lady who reminds me of the headmistress of Beauxbatons in Harry Potter, a strange man with a helicopter made of clouds, a spunky homeless girl with pink hair, and a sister who aspires to be the world's greatest taxidermist; it's quite an interesting bunch. The plot is somewhat predictable at times, but there are a few surprise twists too, one of which involves Dog the basset hound, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite canine characters in all of children's lit. I can't wait to read books two and three (Smells Like Pirates and Smells Like Treasure) to see what other sort of trouble this four-legged comedian stirs up.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): The scene where Homer tries to sleep in the same bed with Dog is all too familiar. I know what it's like to have a bed hog dog! Mine's part basset hound too. :)
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
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