Mad Dog McGraw
by Myron Uhlberg
illustrated by Lydia Monks
Picture book
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Mad Dog McGraw is the meanest dog in the neighborhood, and the little boy who narrates this story hates him. He comes up with all kinds of schemes to get past the dog, but they all end the same way – with Mad Dog McGraw chasing him home. Then, after adopting a stray cat (called ‘Bait’), to distract Mad Dog McGraw, the boy notices something interesting – Mad Dog McGraw does not attack Bait. “Bait licks Mad Dog’s face. Mad Dog nuzzles Bait.” And that’s when the boy has the brilliant idea of making friends with Mad Dog, who maybe isn’t so evil after all. This is an amusing story about a boy who’s barking up the wrong tree when it comes to understanding the seemingly vicious dog down the block. Illustrations are mixed media (paint, fabric, torn papers) set against colorful painted backgrounds. Goofy and whimsical with a satisfying (and happy!) ending.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
