JUNKYARD DOG

by Sandi Barrett Ruch ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1990

From a first-time author, a fantasy narrated by Toad, who lives in a junkyard belonging to the irascible Zlotnick, a widower with several children. Zlotnick's new dog (he calls him ""Slobber"") seems at first to be the fierce guard Zlotnick requires to keep out thieves; Toad is dismayed; since Slobber's presence is sure to frustrate his own nightly foraging, But Toad soon observes that Slobber is gentle at heart--so gentle that if Zlotnick finds out, Slobber, like his predecessors, will be ejected. Then Slobber courageously saves one of the junkman's children from an abandoned refrigerator, thus regaining his former, more dignified name (Maximillian) and earning a fine new home that he and Toad agree to share. Ruch's plot and most of her characterizations are minimal and predictable, but she has a nice sense of atmosphere and a good ear for language that carry the story along and bode well for future books. Attractive large-print format; the soft charcoal and pen drawings are uneven in quality: nifty, decorative insects; a few poignant scenes; a good many others that are awkward and rather bleak.

Pub Date: June 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Orchard/Watts

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S