ALA Booklist
(Sun Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2019)
In this epistolary tale, Arfy the dog tells his story through his diary and letters. One day, smelling something unusual, he discovers a kitten hiding in a drainpipe. Arfy can't invite the kitten to live with him as his "person" has a cat allergy, so the pup writes to his neighbors in his quest to find Scamper a home. His first letter convinces the music teacher to take the kitten in, but the tabby's love of "singing" causes too much disharmony during music lessons. Though Arfy's letters convince several others mechanic, a talent agent, a collector of cat paraphernalia adopt Scamper, the small gray feline isn't welcome anywhere for long. Then Scamper's missive to Arfy, written in sidewalk chalk, gives the dog an idea for the perfect home. Large, brightly colored illustrations tell the bulk of the story, and the written correspondence appears in a variety of typefaces. Children will get a kick out of articulate Arfy's thoughtfulness in securing a place for Scamper and be satisfied with the kitten's forever home.
Kirkus Reviews
(Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)
Arfy-a big-eyed dog with a heart to match-uses his letter-writing skills to find a home for a stray kitten.This sequel to the New York Times bestseller Can I Be Your Dog? (2018) begins with an entry from Arfy's diary in his easily readable handwriting. Arfy explains how his usual Tuesday pursuits-digging up a stick and barking at a bird-were interrupted by a new smell. He followed his nose and found an adorable, piteous kitten whom he named Scamper. Arfy reveals that he cannot keep the homeless feline because "my person is allergic to cats." So, he tests out various owners for Scamper-a music teacher, a set of triplet babies, an auto mechanic, a glamorous movie agent, and a tchotchke-collecting cat fancier. He writes letters to each candidate explaining why Scamper would be a good fit for them. But each time, the arrangement doesn't work and the prospective adopters send Scamper back along with apologetic letters explaining why various aspects of the kitten's behavior don't pass muster. Just when all hope seems lost, Scamper chalks a message on the pavement that helps Arfy find his new friend a perfect home, one where he can be himself. The letters and diary entries appear as facsimiles accompanied by amusing, colorful cartoony art. Much of the humor stems from the fact that the animals' earnest and formal correspondence is full of fun wordplay. (This book was reviewed digitally.)More fun with a lovable, literate canine; sure to inspire budding animal rescue advocates. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)