What would happen if a dog of the canine persuasion were to drop a green tennis ball down a prairie dogs’ burrow? Why, the prairies would pick it apart, fashion all sorts of finery out of its fuzz and then get territorial about it when neighboring prairie dogs demanded their share. It’s inevitable that a frenzy would ensue. After rescuing one of their own from an eagle’s clutches, the prairies in this story finally realize that fuzz just isn’t worth it. But along comes Violet the mutt again, this time with a red tennis ball, and then. . . . The energetic art and layout are the real standouts in this cute yet thin story. The dogs—both of the canis and burrow varieties—are expressive and hilarious, and readers can open up double-paged spreads and occasionally turn the volume vertically, a Stevens trademark. Dramatic font changes and words like Swoop! and Boink! add to the read-aloud fun. (Picture book. 3-7)
