Stinker by David Zeltser –OPTIONAL

Zeltser, David Stinker 20 pgs. Carolrhoda books (Lerner), 2017.  $20. PICTURE BOOK

This is the story of a shelter pet, Stinker, who could not land a forever home because he barks a lot and farts even more. It goes through a variety of family situations that return him before finally finding the perfect new owner. Large pages with bright illustrations.

I have to say I don’t like the take home message from this book –that only a deaf old man who has a bad sense of smell could love this dog. I think a better message is that working with a dog who barks too much –via exercise, training and attention is hard work and that builds love. (the smell is just the wrong food). This book references depression, so you would need to explain that to young readers. Some of the illustrations were darling –like the dog, but the cat and the people were not my favorite. I prefer a stinky dog story with a bit more heart and a lot more humor –Dog Breath by Dave Pilkey.

EL(K-3) -OPTIONAL.  Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author