ROMEO AND THE BEASTLY BULLIES

A dachshund faces off against a human burglar in this picture book about making enemies into friends.

Romeo, a small, brown dachshund, just wants some friends. But Big Boy, Chap, and Miss Strudel, a St. Bernard, black Lab, and poodle, respectively, are only interested in making fun of their tiny neighbor. “You would make a great speed bump!” Chap taunts. Despite their meanness, Romeo wants to win them over, offering to share treats. But the bullies are too busy plotting to foil a local burglar to pay attention to Romeo. When Romeo plays a vital role in defeating the prowler, the bullies admit that he is a big dog, despite his size. Speyer’s “Ugly Duckling”–like plot, in which the outcast proves his worth, undercuts the difficulties of dealing with bullies—especially those who torment their victims out of boredom, such as these pooches. But Romeo’s bravery and resilience shine through, and his triumph over the burglar (and his seizure of the thief’s boot as a trophy and favorite toy) is sure to make young readers smile. The author’s paintings showcase the size differences between the cheerful Romeo and the huge neighborhood dogs. Her whimsical illustrations depict Romeo’s self-improvement dreams. The story presents a clear moral: believe in yourself. Speyer’s word choices (strolled, dachshund, wiener dog) may be too advanced for newly independent readers, making this a better choice for the lap crowd.

While the bullies too easily become allies, this fanciful tale’s heroic dog will capture hearts.