Product Description

Having a dog in class is always a clue that it's going to be an interesting day, especially when the dog in question-and the one with all the answers-is the insatiable canine gourmand Pete, last seen munching everything from jellybeans to underwear on his way through the alphabet in What Pete Ate from A-Z.

Poppy Wise has mixed feelings about school and her teachers have mixed feelings about her dog, Pete. Pete wreaks havoc in math; causes chaos in science (Mrs. Magma has a meltdown when he swallows her microscope!); and is a star in art (Miss Crumple finds Pete colorful when he eats all the crayons). As Pete gets his fill of knowledge, he also serves as an impetus for learning rules are made to be broken and there is no end to learning. This new adventure is sure to be another "giggly meal for readers who relish ridiculousness, randomness, rambunctiousness and alliteration."-Time Out New York

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #262129 in Books
• Published on: 2003-07-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-Readers may recall from What Pete Ate from A-Z (Putnam, 2001) that this dog eats anything. That gets him into a pickle when he visits his owner at school. Poppy Wise narrates as Pete eats the math teacher's pants. Mr. Grompi Spitzer promptly sends them to the principal's office, where the pup eats an encyclopedia, rendering him superintelligent and able to speak. He returns to school the next day disguised as Poppy Wise's cousin, and eventually charms the charming principal Miss Honeybee into relenting on the "no pets in school" rule. Fortunately, or un-, once Pete digests all his information, he goes back to being plain-old "dear sweet Pete." Kalman's fans will frolic through her complex and wacky paintings, playful text, and somewhat strung-out and predictable story. This is not Kalman's strongest work, but it's lots of fun for those who get the joke.
Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 2-4. Sometimes Kalman's books (and their outrageous humor) seem more aimed at adults than kids. But not this one. Pete, the shaggy dog introduced in What Pete Ate from A to Z (2001), is back--hungrier (and funnier) than ever. This time he goes to school with his owner, Poppy Wise, and her brother, Mookie (nicknamed Shmookie Scalandroopy by his sister), where he gobbles up, among other things, an encyclopedia. His literary indulgence becomes clear to his owners as they study at home that night: Pete not only speaks but also gives them answers to their homework. The next day, the excited Wise children bring Pete to school disguised as their brilliant cousin, Pearl Buttonweiser--but Pete's wagging tail eventually gives him away. The design and the artwork are signature Kalman: inventive, eye-catching, bold yet subtle. Some children may have trouble reading the hand-lettered text, but many will find it worth the effort to catch all the jokes. Readers will also find some interesting information. With so many witty asides and quirky artistic tangents, saying that this will be read more than once is an understatement. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

If only school were this much fun
Although I am somewhat older than the suggested age range for this book, I loved the combination of witty illustrations and sly humor. Kalman's imagination is free-wheeling and far-reaching (have YOU ever considered what you'd do if your dog swallowed the remote?) and in a few words she encapsulates the essence of the educational experience--long stretches of boredom punctuated by occasional moments of terror.

The read-aloud length is ten minutes (fifteen if you're laughing really hard), just about perfect for children with short attention spans and their weary parents. The pop quiz at the end is worth the price of admission. Did I mention that all the characters have wonderfully creative names (and nicknames) and that the principal's bird realizes that he has a birdbrain? This was our first venture into Kalman territory, just enough to whet the appetite and make me eager to read the rest of her work.

Kalman Hits It Out Of The Park!
Maira Kalman's story of Pete in school is a wonder of creativity, understanding of the childhood brain, and the horror/joys of elementary school. My 7 year old grandson read every single little side comment. Some of the language is challenging to this good reader, but he sounded his way though with glee. I love Kalman and so do the kids I read to. Her unique illustrative style is so engaging and her slightly skewed point of view are an antidote to the dumbed down stuff being offered for young readers (and their grandparents). Bravo, Ms. K!

clever and hilarious
i love this book. it kind of reminds me of j.otto siebold in style, which i also love. it's the kind of book a parent can actually read to a child over and over again. there is always something new to see, hidden on the page to discover. and it is really funny and original. maira kalman's illustrations are to die for. a little primitive in a very sophisticated way. did i mention i love this book? i love this book!!