Thursday, October 24, 2024

Felix Powell, Boy Dog review

 Felix Powell, Boy Dog by Erin Entrada Kelly

In this funny, young middle-grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog.(goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

 

Felix is excited to spend his $5 at the local thrift store that his Nan gave him.  When he spies a special blue blanket, he knows exactly what he wants to spend that money on.  Felix isn't like other 8 year olds.  When he grows up he wants to be a Wildlife Biologist who studies primates.  He also enjoys spending time with his dog Mary Puppins and has a special talent speaking to her.  But when he and Puppins play a game with his newly purchased blanket, it magically transforms him into a dog!   At first he enjoys being a dog and hanging out all day with Puppins. But soon he remembers all the things he likes best about being a boy and worries that he won't turn back in time for his Bean Fest plans with Nan.
 
This a unique story for the older elementary reader about family, friendship and imagination. After turning into a dog, Felix has an adventurous day with Mary Puppins smelling, playing and experiencing everything about being a dog. When Felix and Puppins run into the neighborhood cat with an aloof attitude, the interactions give Felix mixed emotions about some negative feelings he is experiencing. There is nice conflict resolution easy for young readers to understand expressing empathy. Felix and Puppins show problem solving and teamwork to help Gumbo the cat out of a predicament they caused.  It has short chapters and is fast paced keeping readers attention to the end and finding out whether he is successful in returning back to a boy.   There are also lively black and white illustrations to break up the pages giving great visuals along with the story. This is the first book in a series for Felix with more curiosity and adventures to come.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8 - 9.~
 
Title:  Felix Powell, Boy Dog
Author: Erin Entrada Kelly
Pub. date: July 2024, Greenwillow Books
Genre: Middle Grade
Hardcover, 149 pgs.
 

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