Boomer'S Big Surprise (Boomer, Boom)

Product DescriptionBoomer knows something's up the day a shiny new bowl appears next to his, but imagine Boomer's surprise when he finds himself nose to nose with a new puppy! Just when Boomer thinks he's no longer top dog, he discovers there's room for two, and that the puppy is more than a new siblinghe's a new friend. Boomer's Big Surprise is filled with the same warmth and humor as the first two books in the Boomer series, and will have special appeal to any child facing the arrival of a new baby.From School Library JournalPreSchoolKIn this latest book about Boomer the dog, another anxietyproducing situation is explored. This time its the arrival of a puppy. When Baby, as the newcomer is called, enters the family, Boomer feels both confused and left out. He wondered if anyone would ever play with him. But then, Baby licks his nose and the fun begins, in the waterin the dirtand all through the house! Boomers canine reactions provide insight into the new sibling experience. His expressions of curiosity and dejected concern will garner sympathy from readers and allow them to see the pains and rewards that accompany any addition to a family. Following the lead of the text, the watercolor illustrations give a dogseye view of the world. Soft and pleasing, they make the most of the inherent cuteness of a golden retriever puppy. Delightful and emotionally satisfying.Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MICopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.From BooklistBoomer, the spunky golden retriever who starred in Boomer's Big Day (1994) and Boomer Goes to School (1996), is back in a new adventure. This time he gets a new dog sibling and has most of the same feelings young children have when there's a new baby in the house. First, Boomer is confused. Why is Baby eating when it isn't dinnertime yet? Then the greeneyed monster rears its head as Boomer watches Baby playing with Boomer's favorite toy and getting a belly rub. But just when Boomer is beginning to wonder whether anyone will ever play with him again, he feels a lick on his nose. It isn't long before Boomer and Baby are off and runningwith Boomer leading the way. This delightful series may use a lovable family dog to play out common childhood events, but children will relate to Boomer's experience as easily as they would to a child's. Whyte, who actually owns a golden retreiver named Boomer, has done another fine job depicting the action in flowing watercolors. A worthwhile addition to a fine series. Lauren PetersonFrom Kirkus ReviewsJealousy surrounds the arrival of a new baby, in this case a puppy, in this latest of sweettempered books from about a golden retriever (Boomer Goes to School, 1996, etc.). Boomer notices a small bundle in the kitchen; soon a black nose and pink tongue appear in the form of Baby Boomer. Baby is instantly the center of attention. His back is lovingly scratched and his belly rubbed, while Boomer feels ignored. Among all the new toys, Baby plays with Boomer's own favoritehis old green tennis ball. Using unembellished language and plain sentence structure, the narrator reports Boomer's feelings, Later, everyone went outside to play. Boomer was very excited . . . He waited and waited for someone to throw him the ball. But no one did.'' Baby wins Boomer over with a wag of the tail and a lick of the nose, enlisting the older dog in play. The crowning moment is a spread showing Boomer as onlooker to the new puppy's masterpiecea pawprinted living room with a chewedup shoe, knockedover plant, and spilling goldfish bowl. The affectionate watercolors will find their audience in dog lovers and children with new siblings alike. (Picture book. 26) Copyright 1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.ReviewReviews ofBoomer's Big SurpriseBy Constance W. McGeorgeIllustrations by Mary WhyteBOOKLISTSCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNALKIRKUS REVIEWSFROM: BOOKLISTBy Lauren PetersonBoomer, the spunky go