That wacky but winsome bulldog named Chowder is back for another attempt to connect with other canines, this time at the Fabu Pooch Boot Camp, a sleep-away camp for pampered pooches who are already beautiful and well-behaved but still working on improving their “fabulousness.” The rambunctious Chowder does not fit in with this sedate group, especially when the competitive canine crowd begins to prepare for a “pooch pageant.” Chowder finds an unused trampoline and perfects a routine that wins him a special place at the camp and a job as the bouncing “spokesdoggy” for a dog-treat company. Brown’s surrealistic illustration style includes exaggerated perspectives, muted shades of acid green and lavender, slightly spooky shadows and creative type treatments. His tongue-in-cheek humor introduces dogs who floss their teeth and visit the chiropractor, as well as Ms. Fabu the camp director in her flashy cocktail dress and cat-eye sunglasses. Chowder’s oddly endearing attempts to connect with others of his own kind have a certain appeal for those who love an underdog. (Picture book. 4-8)
