Aldo Peanut Butter (Morrow Junior Books)

It is easy to understand why Aldo, who has been featured in a number of Hurwitz's lighthearted novels, is such a favorite with middle readers. The affable lad has a knack for getting himself into--and eventually out of--some sticky situations, with plenty of laughter along the way. In his latest caper, Aldo has a bountiful birthday: he receives five puppies as presents, but is allowed to keep only two--Peanut and Butter. When Aldo's parents must leave home for couple of weeks, the dogs help keep the household in a state of constant uproar. Butter tries to jump into Aldo's lap at breakfast, and gets covered with maple syrup. And when the next-door neighbor's lawn is dug up several times during the night, she is convinced that Aldo's pets are the culprits, but Aldo is determined to prove her wrong. Hurwitz keeps her story hopping, and Aldo's fans will be pleased to learn that their hero is as adept as ever at finding misadventure. Ages 7-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Grade 3-5-- On his 11th birthday, Aldo is the happy recipient of five dogs, from five separate donors. This opening event is sure to hook animal lovers as well as Aldo fans, and the rib-tickling consequences (even though Aldo is allowed to keep only two of his gifts) are sure to delight readers. When circumstances force their parents out of town for two weeks, Aldo and his older sisters are left to cope, not only with each other but with the two new pups. What follows is a series of mishaps, misadventures, and messes, creating one hilarious (although implausible) situation after another. The story procedes with unforced dialogue that zips right along and believable characterizations of three loving but squabbling siblings. Full-page black-and-white drawings illustrate the events, but don't completely capture the humor of the situations. Lightweight fare, with a satisfying but somewhat predictable ending. --Trev Jones, School Library Journal
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.