Some Penrodish adventures, lively, real boys, a dog named Randolph and puppies figure in this likeable story of a nine-year-old boy and his friends, the twins, Bob and James. Told in the first person, this story of the campaign to win a puppy from their neighborhood enemies involves wild escapades, family crises and an epic spanking, and shrewd, earnest planning to achieve their ambition. Laughs and chuckles.