Smells Like Dog - Book Review

Title ~ Smells Like Dog
Series ~ Smells Like Dog #1
Author ~ Suzanne Selfors
Release Date ~ May 1, 2010
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source ~ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Meet Homer Pudding, an ordinary farm boy who's got big dreams-to follow in the footsteps of his famous treasure-hunting uncle. But when Uncle Drake mysteriously disappears, Homer inherits two things: a lazy, droopy dog with no sense of smell, and a mystery.

Why would his uncle call this clumsy dog his "most treasured possession?" And why did he put a gold coin on the dog's collar?

And who will continue Uncle Drake's quest-to find the most coveted pirate treasure in the world?

Join Homer, his sister Gwendolyn, and Dog on an adventure that will test their wits and courage as they leave their peaceful farm and head into a world where ruthless treasure hunters hide around every corner. Where they discover that Dog has a hidden talent and that treasure might be closer than they ever imagined. . .

REVIEW

Quirky meets adventurous in this far flung tale of a boy, his sister, and a dog. Add a heavy dose of humor and a touch of make-believe and you have Smells Like Dog.

Homer Pudding is a twelve-year-old nobody. He lives on a goat farm, but really wants to be a treasure-hunter like his Uncle Drake. His dreams seem dashed when Uncle Drake dies an unusual death. Even stranger, Uncle Drake leaves his dog (named Dog) to Homer.

Dog is not a typical dog. He eats random items, has no sense of smell, and has a mysterious coin hidden in his collar. Everyone refers to Dog the bassett hound as being droopy. Oh, but Dog also has a hidden talent that will come in very handy. This is my favorite part of the story.

Homer is joined by his sister, Gwendolyn, who has a peculiar interest in taxidermy, as he tries to solve the puzzle behind Dog’s coin. Gwendolyn has stuffed a squirrel, a coyote, and even a raccoon. That’s some odd girl behavior, and I loved her strangeness.

The group ends up in a city, named simply City, where they look for clues at a museum. This is where the action takes off and a battle of good vs evil takes place. With a cloud-copter and a high-tech evil lair, this story is way out there in a good way.

Questions are answered and dreams are fulfilled, with Dog leading the way. I loved this quirky adventure.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

Dog does look droopy after all. That’s a face to love! Once you understand Dog’s special gift, the crown will make sense. I like the fun title too!