BOBO AND THE NEW NEIGHBOR

Bobo may try to be a helpful pet, but he does have a weakness for mailmen—and muffins, as he shows in Page’s sequel to How to Be a Good Dog (2006). Alas, this over-eager canine is of no assistance to his owner, Mrs. Birdhead (who, in fact, wears a bird on her head), when she invites new neighbor Mrs. Wrinklerump to tea, so she sends her dog to retrieve the wash instead. Not a fan of housework, however, Bobo decides to wear these clothes and is then mistaken for the invited party guest. His innovative plan to steal refreshments is foiled when housemate Cat senses something’s amiss, just as the legitimate visitor arrives. Acrylic cartoons portray the amusing animal antics, providing a wickedly ironic subtext to accompany the deadpan narration. The uncluttered illustrations featured against a variety of spacious, colored backgrounds display the zany interplay between this cat and dog. Larger-than-life Bobo and his feline companion are the driving forces in this offbeat tale. (Picture book. 3-7)