Product Description

When Chowder goes off to the Fabu Pooch Boot Camp, as usual he just doesn't fit in. Chowder tries his best, but his attempts to make himself more fabulous all fall flat. When the First Annual Fabu Pooch Pageant is announced, Chowder anxiously tries to think of a way to stand out. After all, the prize is a one-year supply of Snarf Snacks! Some pups practice their pearly grins, other hounds get massages to relax. One pooch even gets permed! But Chowder finds his calling when he discovers a trampoline. He leaps, he flips, he bounces, and he wows the crowd!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #148308 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780316011792
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
That wacky but winsome bulldog named Chowder is back for another attempt to connect with other canines, this time at the Fabu Pooch Boot Camp, a sleep-away camp for pampered pooches who are already beautiful and well-behaved but still working on improving their "fabulousness." The rambunctious Chowder does not fit in with this sedate group, especially when the competitive canine crowd begins to prepare for a "pooch pageant." Chowder finds an unused trampoline and perfects a routine that wins him a special place at the camp and a job as the bouncing "spokesdoggy" for a dog-treat company. Brown's surrealistic illustration style includes exaggerated perspectives, muted shades of acid green and lavender, slightly spooky shadows and creative type treatments. His tongue-in-cheek humor introduces dogs who floss their teeth and visit the chiropractor, as well as Ms. Fabu the camp director in her flashy cocktail dress and cat-eye sunglasses. Chowder's oddly endearing attempts to connect with others of his own kind have a certain appeal for those who love an underdog. (Picture book. 4-8) (Kirkus Reviews)

About the Author
Peter Brown is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He grew up in Hopewell, NJ and now lives in Brooklyn, NY, where he's living his dream of drawing, writing, and getting paid to do it. He still hasn't gotten a pet bulldog of his own, but he's able to cope, thanks to his new friend Chowder. Chowder's Web site is www.chowderandfriends.com and Peter's Web site is www.somebrownstuff.com.

Customer Reviews

Another great Chowder story
Another delightful story about Chowder. My children are 3.5 and 2 years old and love the Chowder stories. Great illustrations and entertaining story (translation: you won't get bored reading it for the 50th time)!

So sweet!
We have the first Chowder and couldnt wait for this one to come out! Our daughter (4.5 yrs) loves both books - especially the illustrations - as do my husband and I. We own a bulldog so we are a bit partial though! The message of being yourself is a wonderful one that all kids need to learn and this tale did a great job of keeping our daughter's attention. Cant wait for another Chowder book!

Loveable dog with sweet message
Reviewed by Olivia Alejandre (age 4) and Mom for Reader Views (12/07)

Mom's review / summary:
Chowder is a lovable dog who tries to fit in and be like the other dogs at the Fabu Pooch Boot Camp. In preparation for a dog show, he fixes his hair like theirs and tries to walk like they do. Then, on a walk around the camp, he spots a trampoline and his true self comes out - an acrobat! He practices constantly, getting better at tricks. At the dog show, his jumps and back-flips award him not only cheers from the audience, but also the "Best Bouncer in Show" award and a lifetime supply of Snarf Snacks (since he's their new spokesdoggy!).

Olivia seemed to be quite focused on the dogs (she loves dogs) and the trampolines, and so didn't seem to grasp the overall message of the book until we talked about it later. The art is beautiful and quite attractive to the eye - adults and children alike. However, the humor is subtle in nature and hard for kids to understand.

Olivia's review:
"Chowder loves to jump. Chowder loves trampolines. He wants to be an acrobat. He goes to a dog show. He tries to be fancy like the other dogs but his tongue is wet. He jumps on the trampoline from the roof and does back-flips. And then, he gets some snacks."

Some quotes from Olivia about "The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder":
"I like all the doggies."

"Does she look mean?" (Ms. Fabu)

"That's not very nice." (the other dogs not playing with Chowder)

"I want to jump on the trampoline as high as Chowder and get lots of exercise."

"How do we do a back-flip?"

"I like this page." (Chowder doing the tricks at the dog show)

"Look at all the trampolines!" (last page)

[Mom]: "Do you think we should try to be ourselves or try to be like other people?"
"We should be ourselves because I like being [me]."