Smells Like Dog (Smells Like Dog, 1) - Softcover

Suzanne Selfors is the author of the Imaginary Veterinary series, the Smells Like Dog series, "Fortune's Magic Farm," "To Catch a Mermaid," and many other books. Rumor has it that just like the hero of "Smells Like Dog," she dreams of becoming a famous treasure hunter. With the help of her loyal dog, Skylos, she's dug many holes in her backyard. Her most prized discoveries include a piece of petrified wood, a petrified slug, and something that resembles a shrunken head, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Grade 4–7—Homer Pudding is a luckless 12-year-old who dreams of hunting treasure like the uncle he idolizes. When his uncle is eaten by a killer tortoise, Homer gets swept into the middle of a treacherous race to locate a pirate's treasure. A whimsical narration and sometimes comical dialogue add a light touch—but perhaps not quite light enough, as the boy's initial cheerlessness makes him hard to warm up to. The pace picks up when he arrives in The City, however, and gets himself out of danger more than once by using his wits. He is aided by Dog, a peculiar basset who turns out to have surprising sleuthing skills of his own, though readers will figure this out long before Homer does. The main villain is appropriately over-the-top: she's a ruthless museum director who seeks the treasure for personal gain, rather than sharing with the world. Occasionally silly plot contrivances make Homer's journey less than gripping, but they match the consistent mix of silliness and action. The boy's growth from hapless loser to skilled treasure hunter is fairly convincing; Homer uses his uncle's advice and the story of the Odyssey for inspiration and steadily gains confidence. The supporting cast is quirky and mildly amusing, if not especially memorable. The perky homeless girl who aids, and then betrays, Homer is more intriguing, though; the conclusion sets her up as a potential rival or possible friend in future installments.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR
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