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Shaggy, a playful but somewhat bossy dog, is spending the weekend at cousin Stella’s house. The very first thing that comes to mind for Dad is that he’d better hide his boxer shorts, and he is right about that. Shaggy loves finding those boxers, bringing them to dinner, and treating them as his personal doggie toy. When the two pups play circus, Shaggy “makes all the rules,” playing the part of ringmaster, lion tamer, and trapeze artist, while an unhappy Stella is the clown. During farm time, Shaggy is the rancher, cowboy, and tractor driver, while Stella is a cow. With Shaggy making all the fun decisions, it’s no wonder Stella gets sad. Finally, Stella decides to “find her voice.” During pool time, she will be the lifeguard, swim teacher, and scuba diver, while Shaggy is a lonely mermaid. Soon, in all the summer heat, neither cares who gets to be what as they splash in the water together, laughing and cooling off.
This brightly colored, entertaining read aimed at an audience of toddlers and young children contains much silliness to go around. The messes Shaggy gets into, resulting in Dad’s constant refrain of “What a rascal,” will surely elicit smiles and group laughter from the children with whom this picture book is shared. While undoubtedly an entertaining read, there is also an important core message shared in Sullivan’s fun and funny book. Of significance is the life lesson imparted that once Shaggy and then Stella abandon any ideas of “being in charge” and making all the rules for play, things turn completely around, and both pups begin to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. When the bossiness ceases and carefree shared play reigns instead, an important lesson is gleaned from an already enjoyable picture book, which children are sure to find delightful.