Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Start a Club by Accident (Two Dogs in a Trench Coat, #2) by Colin Jack, Julie Falatko
Published by Scholastic on January 29, 2019
ISBN: 1338189530
Pages: 208
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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The hilarious title says it all. Sassy and Waldo are two dogs that wear a trench coat and pretend to be a new student named Salty in order to accompany their beloved owner Stewart to school, and they’re still pulling it off in the second installment of this series. While at school, they enjoy all of the fun, play, and food that elementary school has to offer a pair of dogs, especially the delights of daily hot lunch. While waiting in the cafeteria one afternoon for Stewart to finish his super boring after-school club that his parents have made him join, the Junior Office Supply Enthusiasts, the dogs inadvertently start a club called the Rover Scouts, which involves running around in circles, sniffing around the school yard, and eating lots of snacks. Suddenly all of the other kids want in, and now it’s time to to start planning their float for the Founder’s Day Parade. Amidst the abundant silliness, there is a relatable story involving Stewart finding his voice despite his parents’ pressure and choosing to join the Rover Scouts instead, but this story is less about moral lessons and more about lighthearted fun. Author Falatko isn’t afraid to push the limits of absurdity, and there is plenty of family-friendly humor, with some gags and word play that may just give the grown-ups a chuckle, while the rest will keep the kids laughing. The sketch illustrations found on every page are amusing, and the dogs are adorable and expressive. Recommended for grades 2-5.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library