From Our Follett Early Learning Experts

Buddy, a golden retriever puppy, learns to develop values that help him serve as a positive example for the 

other neighborhood dogs, including the aggressive Jack Russell terrier Buster.

School Library Journal (June 1, 2004)

PreS-Gr 3-This hackneyed attempt at bibliotherapy tells the story of Buddy, a golden retriever puppy, who is 

bullied by Buster, an aggressive Jack Russell terrier. Buddy's owner, a young boy named Dylan, 

experiences similar bullying at school. The subtle-as-a-brick message of the story is delivered 

by Dylan's mother, who tells Buddy "that deep within himself he would find the courage, his own 

inner strength, that would make him feel strong" and that "somehow, when he was able to feel 

his own strength, Buster would leave him alone." Of course, Buddy does find his strength, and 

provides a shining example for Dylan as well. Narrator Joy Frost delivers the story in a teacherly 

tone, accompanied by somnolent background music. Just in case listeners haven't gotten the point, 

Frost offers a five-minute afterword about bullying. Though the message is admirable, the dull 

presentation of this story is unlikely to keep the attention of young listeners.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, 

Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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