November 9, 2015
There’s more than a little Abbott and Costello in the goofy, misunderstanding-laden relationship between two dogs in this first book in the Haggis and Tank Unleashed series. As the exuberant Tank and crustier Haggis embark on an imaginary pirate escapade, Young (the Finley Flowers series) crams their dialogue with “Who’s on first?”-style homophones. “That’s a tall tale. Stop making up stories,” Haggis grumps when Tank spots a sea serpent heading their way. “It is a tall tail,” Tank responds. Burks (the Bird & Squirrel series) keeps the book’s six chapters zipping along in lively full-bleed images and panel sequences. The dogs’ odd-couple antics, loads of goofy humor, and an appealing comics/early reader format make for an all-around entertaining read. A sequel, Digging for Dinos, pubs in February. Ages 5–7. Agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
November 1, 2015
Two bored pups take to the high seas in an imaginative and homophone-friendly caper. Tank, a Great Dane of endless spunk and enthusiasm, and Haggis, a small Scottish terrier with an uncanny resemblance to Wilford Brimley, decide that the best way to spend a sunny morning is to pretend that they're the "rrruff-est scallywags" to sail the seven seas. With Tank (aka "Bootleg Bonny") providing the passion and Haggis ("Captain Scurvy") the brains, they encounter everything from sneaky squeaky sea serpents and buried treasure to the perils of improper slipknots. Fortunately, when certain death threatens the daring duo, deliverance appears in the least likely of places. In this latest addition to Scholastic's early chapter Branches imprint, Young spends a fair amount of time engaging her heroes in enticing banter and funny misunderstandings involving puns and homophones. It's especially gratifying to see that the big, tough, strong dog character is a female. Burks' plentiful, full-color art is consistently engaging, incorporating dialogue bubbles as well as regular typeset prose. Kids dipping a toe into the waters of early chapter books will find themselves challenged by the text while simultaneously enticed by the alluring art. These salty sea dogs put the bite back in buccaneering. (Graphic/fantasy hybrid. 6-9)
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January 1, 2016
K-Gr 3-Young introduces readers to Haggis, a bored Scottish terrier, and Tank, a Great Dane who is always up for a new escapade. With all the elements of a great pirate adventure, including a deserted island, sailor knots, and a buried treasure, Young gives authentic voice to her pup protagonist, creating an engaging narrative that young and newly emergent readers will look forward to. Burks's illustrations give life to these spirited characters, and his artwork reinforces the text throughout. The easy-to-read text, in conjunction with the color-coordinated dialogue bubbles for Haggis and Tank, makes the selection a must-have for the difficult-to-fill niche for readers transitioning from picture books and beginning readers to early chapter books. VERDICT A solid new series for newly independent chapter book readers.-John Trischitti, Midland County Public Libraries, TX
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 15, 2015
Grades 1-3 Two canine pals star in this entertaining, comics-style chapter book series for early readers. Haggis, a Scottie dog, is bored, and lunchtime seems far away. But then Tank, a Great Dane, rolls by in her wagon and suggests playing pirates. Soon Bootleg Bonny (Tank) and Captain Scurvy (Haggis) are piloting their wagon turned ship, the Golden Biscuit, on an adventure. Excitement ensues when they find a possible treasure map, but their dig ashore proves fruitless, so with heavy hearts and empty paws, they sail homeward. Eventually, their imaginative escapades end, but when they arrive home, trueand delicioustreasure awaits. The spare, easy-to-read main text describes the events, and the stylized, full-color cartoon illustrations, complete with amusing speech-balloon conversations and asides, expand the story. Tank and Haggis have many homophone-related miscommunications, a concept, explained on the last page, which both helps aid reading comprehension and boosts the funny factor. Ultimately, playtime and wordplay match well here, but it's the animated, distinctly drawn characters that will have kids seeking their future adventures.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)