ALA Booklist (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1996)

If there are comfort and reading success to be found in sameness, these three sweet stories for newer readers will fill the bill. Each one focuses on the comic antics of a mischievous pooch whose obsessions with water, fetching, and nighttime activity drive his loving family to distraction. G. Brian Karas' spirited, cartoonlike illustrations catch the humor as Sam, oblivious to the havoc he's creating, revels in canine glory. (Reviewed April 1, 1996)

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1996)

Three brief chapters tell the adventures of Sam, an irrepressible dog who loves to fetch socks and newspapers and even bring children home from school. Karas's humorous illustrations, a simple text, and a likable story work together to create a successful book for new readers.

Kirkus Reviews

A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)"

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2--Sam is a lovable brown-haired mutt who exhibits typical puppy behavior. Despite his fetching all the newspapers in the neighborhood and howling all night, he manages to endear himself to his charming, round-faced family, and will appeal to young readers as well. Children will enjoy the easy-to-manage text and the lively gouache, acrylic, and pencil artwork. A surefire choice for dog lovers that could be used to spark discussions or story-writing sessions about other kinds of pets and pet behavior.--Jan Shepherd Ross, Dixie Elementary Magnet School, Lexington, KY