Bad Dog, Andy: A Parody

Who would think that Elvira, Mistress of the Dark would write a children's book that you'd want to have in your home? Not me! But this book is awesome! That's right - Cassandra Peterson, one of the co-authors, is better known as Elvira. Co-author John Paragon has a pet Dalmatian named Andy, who was no doubt the driving force of inspiration for this hilarious book of few words, but non-stop laughs. Cathy Pavia's illustrations are to die for! Andy's expressions are priceless and if you've ever had a dog be naughty, you will understand everything that is going on. Andy's owner is going out to the grocery store and tells Andy to watch the house - but there is a naughty glint in Andy's eye. After the door shuts, Andy runs to the window to make sure the coast is clear, leaving a big nose smear on the glass. Andy has a brief "Risky Business" moment as he rifles through his master's dresser and dons his briefs and shades and slides into the livingroom. Andy gets into the garbage, smokes a cigar, pukes on the rug, has a female poodle come over to play and generally wreaks havok in the house. When he hears his daddy coming home, he has to clean up - and quick. If only real dogs cleaned the house! As Andy tears up his home - we can see photos of dogs, especially one of Andy on Santa's lap. We see statues of dogs, an Andy Warhol print on the wall (one would guess Andy is named after the artist - his hair is the same color, anyway!) and other clear homage to life with dogs. Life with dogs can be so rewarding and life with a Dalmatian is not for the faint of heart - but not without its own set of rewards. The authors clearly appreciate the fun spirit of dogs more than they disdain their naughty antics. A hoot for children and adults.

Cathy Pavia's inspired illustrations keep us coming back and finding more of Andy's bad deeds! When is she coming out with her next book? Is she in line for a Caldecott?

Have all the "Carl" books and HAD to buy "Bad Dog Andy" to round out the collection.