Mister Bud Wears the Cone

K-Gr 2—The engaging canines introduced in Say Hello to Zorro! (2011) and Zorro Gets an Outfit (2012, both S. & S.) are back. This time Mister Bud has to wear a dreaded cone to keep him from scratching an itch on his back. It blocks his view and makes it difficult for him to eat, drink, and play with Zorro, the precocious pug with whom he shares a household. Zorro teases and taunts Mister Bud and delights in getting into all kinds of doggie mischief, thinking that his companion will be blamed. In a satisfying ending, the dogs resume their friendship, and peace is restored. The illustrations suggest a feeling of movement as the dogs bound around the house, and the humor and situations will appeal to any child who has ever experienced sibling rivalry. A great addition for kids looking for a story about dogs and for a canine-centered read-aloud.—Krishna Grady, Darien Library, CT