Poppy the Pirate Dog's New Shipmate (Poppy the Pirate Dog #2)

K-Gr 2--It is often hard to adjust to a new addition to the family, and for Poppy, it is no different. When her family discovers that she is lonely when they leave for work and school, they eagerly adopt a "shipmate" for her. However, the newcomer is not the adventurous little puppy that Poppy had been hoping for. It is a kitten. Her disappointment turns to resentment when George uncovers Poppy's treasure and is allowed to sit in the middle of the family's bed. Poppy rejects her new sibling until an accident happens and Poppy is forced to make a very important decision. This book is perfect for children who are looking for an easy reader that contains more challenging vocabulary and a lengthier yet exciting text. The colorful ink and watercolor illustrations are lighthearted and provide terrific context clues.--Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

With a simply written story and jaunty, expressive ink-and-watercolor illustrations, this engaging book works equally well as a choice for independent readers or for reading aloud to younger children. A fine addition to the Poppy the Pirate Dog series.

The easy reader/beginning chapter book format, with its heavy, black typeface against plenty of clean white space and the simple sentences and vocabulary, is as inviting as the book's endearing canine hero, and kids not quite ready for lengthier chapter books will find this title (the second in a series) a fine transitional bridge. Phillips' frequent ink and watercolor illustrations are lively and entertaining, and ... Poppy and orange tiger-striped George are overall a pretty winsome pair.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books