PreS-Gr 3 This sequel to Buster (Holt, 2003) surpasses that book. When Brown Shoes takes a weekend trip, his dog is sent to Cowboy Camp at Sagebrush Kennels. Grieving over his separation from all that is familiar, Buster is surprised and thrilled to learn that cowboy camp is dog heaven. The pups are too busy to be sad or homesick; they create paw paintings, herd balls into pens, play "buckaroo ball," gather sticks for the campfire, and sing along as Red Boots strums his guitar. Fleming's cleverly themed camp/kennel will appeal to both dog lovers and buckaroos. The tale is filled with "Cowpoke Words" (with a glossary on the back cover) and amusing Western touches (dogs have bandannas tied around their necks upon arrival). From nights in the bunkhouse to meals at the chuck wagon, every page will make readers smile. The artist's signature pulp-painting illustrations are perfect: they're full of sun-baked colors and dry, sandy textures with personality on every dog's face. The story is ideal preparation for children anticipating a first sleepover away from home or a first summer camp venture. Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

From its opening blue-bandanna endpapers to its cowpoke glossary on the back cover, this sweet, simple story is steeped in the stuff of the Wild West. Buster the dog (Buster, 2003) returns, once again faced with a crisis. Owner Brown Shoes is off on a trip, and Buster is sent to stay with Red Boots at Sagebrush Kennels Cowboy Camp. Though initially apprehensive, Buster soon warms to his fellow campers and, in spite of himself, starts to enjoy his rollicking, temporary home on the range. Fleming extracts remarkable expression from her signature paper-pulp illustrations, and the dude-ranch details delight. What's more, the book package is terrific-from font choice and placement to the color-saturated, full-bleed illustrations. The real charm, however, rests in the careful, deliberate arc of the story. Rather than bringing Buster all the way home again, Fleming ends her tale as Buster closes his eyes, comfortable among his friends in the Sagebrush bunkhouse. Brown Shoes will be back, but Buster is safe and happy until his return. Barthelmess, Thom. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.