Boo ABC

April 15, 2013
Boo, the "world's cutest dog," stars in an ABC book with staged photographs of his toys, clothing, friends and activities. This is the third entry in a series of books starring the cuddly, cute canine that became famous for YouTube clips of his antics. Boo is a Pomeranian with a unique haircut that gives him the appearance of a stuffed animal rather than a live dog. He peeks out from under a blanket on the book's cover, with an endearing look that invites readers in. Each page includes one alphabet letter with a related word highlighted in a white dog-bone shape, with Boo showing off that item. An additional sentence on each page is written in Boo's voice, describing the scene. Most of the alphabet entries work well enough, though the giraffe on the G page is inexplicably missing its head, and two entries show Boo with treats containing chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Some of the associations are abstract, particularly given the composition, so adults will need to be actively engaged (the portable salon-style hairdryer on the F page makes Boo "fluffy," for instance). Although the text is mundane, the high-quality photographs are clear and well-staged, and the star of this show is undeniably appealing. Fluffy and cutesy, just like Boo. (Picture book. 3-6)

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July 1, 2013
Silly posed photographs that fill each page highlight Pomeranian Boo, "the world's cutest dog" (he might be), and his equally adorable best friend Buddy gamboling through the day, letter by letter. Starting with "awake" as the fluff ball peeks out from under the covers and circling back to "ZZZZZs," the alphabet lesson is adequate but it's LaMaistre's photos that are irresistible.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)