Spunky belongs to brothers Huey and Julian Bates, whom author Ann Cameron has written about in several other appealing easy chapter books. This terrifically engaging dog’s-eye view of life with the Bates family is laugh-out-loud funny as Spunky describes human personalities and dynamics and provides plenty of riffs (or is that woofs?) on life as their canine companion. Too often Spunky’s family can’t understand what he says, and sometimes what he has to say is really important: “Hot Tamale Sauce Flavored Tortilla Chips! They’re soooo good!” When a standoffish cat named Fiona joins the family, Spunky is more than a little jealous (not that he’d admit it). Spunky’s nose knows all. Fiona, he determines, smells like Foolish. But Spunky comes through for Fiona at a dramatic, life-or-death moment involving her foray into the terrifying place that smells of Nothing—the freezer. Cameron’s story is full of waggish antics and wonderful warmth. (Ages 5–8)

Spunky the dog would be happy to share all of his secrets, if only his human family spoke his language. But no matter how hard he tries to talk, it's all "yerf!" to them. Through a series of unfortunate miscommunications, his family decides that Spunky wants a friend--specifically, a cat. Spunky can't imagine anything worse than having to share his family, especially Huey and Julian, with the snobby Balinese Fiona. But when headstrong Fiona keeps getting into trouble and it's up to Spunky to save her, he is astonished to find that being her protector has given his life new purpose and meaning.

The latest addition to the beloved Huey and Julian series, which includes the popular The Stories Julian Tells (featured on an Oprah.com summer reading list).