School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3-Grumps is a gray and scraggly but well-loved circus dog. He moves slowly, if at all. The children roar with laughter when, instead of jumping through the flaming hoop, the old pooch just yawns, closes his eyes, and lies down until the clowns roll him offstage in a wagon. Then a new pup, Sparks, arrives and dazzles the audience with his tricks. Not to worry though-the aging canine proves he can still steal the show one last time. The combination of Clements's impeccable storyteller pacing and Truesdell's creative and whimsical cartoons create a reading and visual experience second only to actually being at the circus. The illustrator uses a mixture of watercolors with pen and ink to bring the action to life in vibrant colors. The use of muted tones for the animated and gleeful children surrounding the center ring helps to create a realistic mood for this funny and warm story about extended family life behind the scenes of the Big Top. For librarians looking for a great circus book or an example of the importance of a loving family-this is it. Children are sure to demand a repeat performance.-Wanda Meyers-Hines, Huntsville/Madison County Public Library, Huntsville, AL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

ALA Booklist (Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2000)

Old Grumps is the circus dog. He has only one trick--pretending he's going to jump through a hoop of fire, but lying down for a nap instead. He loves the applause and his place in the circus family, and when a new dog, Sparks, arrives, Grumps is not prepared to lose his identity as top dog. Sparks loves to jump through hoops of fire, so a miserable Grumps tries to learn the trick, too. He bangs his head, scrapes his belly, and can't get through the hoop, but he keeps trying until, on the last night of the state fair, he makes it through for the first and last time. Grumps is a dog with plenty of heart, and Clements' text captures the sympathetic moments. However, it's Truesdell's watercolor-and-ink art, resembling the work of Tracey Campbell Pearson, that heightens the fun, especially as Grumps doggedly keeps trying to make that hoop. Kids will respond to lovable Grumps; adult readers will be more attuned to the message about teaching old dogs new tricks. (Reviewed June 1 & 15, 2000)

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2000)

When Red the Clown gets a new dog, Grumps the old circus family dog worries that he isn't appreciated. He works and works to improve his one and only trick. In the end, Red the Clown makes sure he gets his share of cheers, because he's family, after all. The playful, energetic watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations successfully characterize this tale of loyalty and determination.