Product Description

In these three stories Buster discovers his self-worth and self-confidence and makes friends along the way. Beginning readers will relate to Buster"s fears and successes and will relish in their very own triumph of completing a chapter book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #507774 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780618111220
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From Publishers Weekly
"The plot exploits shy Buster's predicament to the fullest. The dogs featured have very childlike characteristics, and youngsters will find much with which to identify," said PW about this beginning reader. Ages 6-9.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-These three stories about a puppy searching for his strengths will bring smiles of recognition to the beginning-reader set. In the first, Buster is new to the household, trying to find his niche among bossy pets and intimidating guests during his owner's birthday party. Next, he tries to search and catch like fellow-canine Phoebe, but learns that his less-flashy ability to listen is just as valued. It is this quality that enables him to assist Phoebe in solving the mystery of the garbage bandits in the last piece. Bechtold's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are droll and plentiful. Children not quite ready for Cynthia Rylant's "Henry and Mudge" series (S & S) will appreciate the natural repetition of vocabulary and the brevity of text per page.
Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 2. Buster, a shy puppy, is intimidated in his new home. Phoebe, the older dog, is bold and bossy. How Buster comes out of his shell is disclosed in three chapters. In the first, Buster and a shy girl help each other at a birthday party; in the second, Buster's sharp hearing saves the day; and in the last vignette, Buster and Phoebe team up to scare off some garbage-eating raccoons. More substantial then some easy readers, this has an agreeable, relatable story and above-average cartoon-style artwork that features the particularly appealing Buster. A good choice for kids just past the easiest reader stage. Ilene Cooper

Customer Reviews

A must for shy kids!
We stumbled upon this book at our local library as my then 3yr old son loves any books with dogs. We've subsequently purchased it. Turns out this book is not only a great book of 3 short stories, but it also has a great lesson too. My son is pretty shy and this book is about, what else, but a shy dog, as well as a bossy dog and some bossy cats. It explains that while the dogs are different, they both have good qualities. Buster finds his way to shine even in the shadow of "Phoebe".

A great book for anyone, but a must read for shy kids!
Carolyn

My 8 year old daughter and I loved it
We are homeschoolers, and we used it as a reader for her. It's a delightful book to read, and the artwork is fabulous.

Good, but could be better
My 3.9 YO likes this book and it seems to be helping him with some of his shyness issues, which is great. HOWEVER, I didn't like it when Buster says he's not good at other things, like playing catch, but that Phoebe--the non-shy dog--has lots of talents. I think the stories would be a lot better if they focused more on things that Buster does well--otherwise, shy kids may equate feeling shy with being clumsy, etc. The last thing a shy kid needs is less self-esteem! (We eventually learn that Buster hears really well, but only later in the book). Overall I think this is a good book that could be better.