This is a fun story with many layers. First, having had puppies in my life, I can testify that puppy Boss is very much a true puppy. Boss is full of fun, mischief, hyperactive one moment and zooming about, then plopping down and stubbornly refusing to be easily moved the next. He wants to please but is impulsive and easily distracted by, well, pretty much everything. Let's just say, self-discipline isn't a strength for most puppies....or children. That's where this book comes in.
The bond between Boss and first-time dog/puppy/owner Brooklyn is close. And, as Brooklyn slowly realizes, they also share many traits, not all of them good. Yet, her focus on Boss helps her recognize them and realize that many of the same tactics she's trying to ingrain in Boss will also benefit her. As Boss goes through training to earn his Canine Good Citizen award (yes, that really is a thing) the story alternates between Brooklyn's loving understanding and frustrations with her impulsive, stubborn, but adorable pup and her realization that she has a lot in common with her challenging pet. It's handled well and the illustrations add to the layers as we follow the fun rhymes. Metaphors, anyone?
Bottom line, this deceptively simple story of a girl and her rowdy puppy works on all levels. It's a fun story that can be read as just that, a fun story. It might also help open a child's eyes to how their own actions can be "trained" through focus, perseverance, and how to control both emotions and behaviors that, like Boss's wild child puppy behavior, isn't desirable. Again, the tips at the end are wonderful, direct and easy to understand. Thanks #BoysTownPress - #IBPA for the early peek at this layered look at taming not just a rambunctious puppy but helping children learn to navigate their world, too.