A clever plot masterminded by a shrewd feline is the basis of this engaging olfactory mystery by Clarke (Ten Green Monsters, 1994, etc.). Scratch, a dog, and Sniff, a cat, are housemates. One morning Sniff, provoked by an alluring smell, sets out to locate it. Throughout his quest, Sniff has several amusing encounters with some of his canine friends. In the meantime, Scratch takes advantage of having the house to himself to host an all-cat party; the feline friends disperse before Sniff arrives home. After Scratch and Sniff retire, the mystery of the compelling scent is solved as Scratch is observed depositing a drop of “Dr. Dachshund’s Doggy Drops: The Powerful Pick-Me-Up For Peeky Pups” on dozing Sniff’s nose. Clarke’s dry wit is evident in every line of this wry tale; his humorous illustrations of the bumbling but lovable Sniff and the crafty but harmless Scratch enliven an already comical text. (Picture book. 2-5)
