ALA Booklist (Wed Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 1993)

Brown is back with another sure-to-be-popular story about personable Arthur, the likable aardvark. This time, however, it's Arthur's new puppy, Pal, who's the star of the show. Cute, cuddly Pal is driving Arthur and his family to distraction--he's chewing up the furniture, dribbling in the house, digging up the yard, howling when he's lonely, and refusing to be walked on a leash. It appears he's destined for the garage--until Arthur intercedes and teaches him some proper manners. As usual, Brown's sweet, colorful illustrations sparkle with humor and child appeal, and his message (to prospective puppy owners) comes through loud and clear. (Reviewed Dec. 1, 1993)

Horn Book

After many mishaps and subsequent discussions about giving his mischievous new puppy away if he does not learn to behave, Arthur finally trains him. Meanwhile, the winsome pup trains the family in the ways of young dogs. A cheerful, realistic story of the joys and rigors of admitting a new member to the family.

Kirkus Reviews

Both Arthur and his little sister D.W. are featured in two new titles. In D.W. Rides Again! (ISBN: 0-316-11356-5), baby Kate gets the trike while Arthur is all condescending big brother in detailing safety rules for D.W., who's learning how to ride her bike without training wheels: a useful summary whose didacticism is nicely defused by its good humor. In Arthur's New Puppy, the tables are turned: now it's D.W. who comes up with comically sensible comments as Arthur learns to cope with his lively new pet (`Look, he's so excited,' said Arthur. `Look at your pants,' said D.W. `You have excitement all over them'''). For a while it's not clear whether Pal isjust a baby'' or a ``problem puppy,'' but after a suitable amount of comic mayhem, the equable aardvark family's good sense prevails once again. An appealing pair. (Picture book. 4-8)"

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

PW praised this 18th entry in the Arthur series, saying, ``Brown entertains fans with a typically blithe narrative, bolstered by full-page pictures brimming with kid-tickling particulars.'' Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-Arthur's new puppy wreaks so much havoc that the boy fears his parents will send the dog away. When Dad banishes Pal to the garage, the garage key mysteriously disappears. D.W. isn't very optimistic about the animal's future, but her brother insists that he can train him. Arthur then teaches the puppy to sit, stay, lay down, and perform tricks in less than a week. A predictable but satisfying ending finds Pal performing for an appreciative audience and retrieving the missing key. While experienced dog owners may find the speedy transformation unbelievable, a slight twist redeems the ending. Brown's watercolor and ink-line illustrations successfully capture the chaos. Series fans as well as uninitiated readers will find the book's humor and warmth appealing.-Pearl Herscovitch, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada