Pup at the Palace (Animal Ark Series #30)

Features

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 131 pages
• Published by: Scholastic, Inc; Reissue edition October 1, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0439343917
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0439343916
• Book Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 0.8 ounces

Product Description
Mandy and James are taking a trip to London during summer vacation. On a visit to Buckingham Palace, Mandy spots an adorable Labrador puppy, who poses for James's camera and then runs away. Mandy and James spot the puppy all over town, but catching him turns out to be harder than they expected. Can Mandy rescue this lost puppy from the dangers of the big city?

Reader Reviews
Vacation has arrived, and while Mandy Hope, and her best friend, James Hunter, are sad to have to say goodbye to the beloved animals of Welford; they're thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of London, and tour the Millennium Dome for the first time. Deciding to take some time off from their burgeoning veterinary practice, Mandy's adoptive parents - Dr. Emily and Dr. Adam - decide to spring for a little vacation, as well; and, with the company of some of Welford's most delightful residents, plan to make the trip a family affair, and attend by Mandy's side. James is heartbroken to leave his badly-behaved Labrador, Blackie, behind; however, after just a short time in London, he forgets all about Blackie, and sets his mind on learning more about the tiny brown Labrador pup that he and Mandy spotted entering the Palace of Queen Elizabeth herself! London is a much more hustling and bustling location than Welford, and Mandy and James are frightened that the little pup may not make it back to safety without finding himself injured by some careless driver. But catching the pup proves harder than expected, and the two friends are encouraged to put the pup out of their minds, and enjoy their vacation before it's over. Taking that wonderful advice, Mandy and James become wrapped up in sightseeing with their new friend Casey Baxter, a girl of their age who has traveled here all the way from New York City. Casey is just as much of an animal lover as Mandy and James, and together, the three see the sights, and taste all the delicious foods found in London. But Mandy and James are finding it hard to forget the little pup who captured their heart on day one; so when they see him strolling about St. James's Park, they know that capturing him, and taking him to safety is a must. Aptly named Bruno, their new furry friend begins to thrive at the local SPCA, where he's showered with love and affection, and safe from speeding cars. With the ordeal over, Mandy and James are excited to begin truly enjoying their vacation, but when they spot Bruno racing through traffic a few days later, they can't figure out what exactly is going on. The friends were so convinced that Bruno was in safe hands at the SPCA, and was getting the medical care that he truly needed, but now he's out and about, and in severe danger. Mandy, James, and Casey can't figure out what exactly is going on; and why Bruno suddenly has a new personality - one that is much more carefree, and calm; as opposed to skittish, and crazy. The three friends set out to solve the mystery of the runaway pup immediately; hoping to reunite him with his owner - wherever he or she is. But in the midst of all this doggy drama, the trio is attempting to figure out what is stressing out a beautiful parrot named Sinbad, who happens to live in the quaint bed-and-breakfast where the Welford group is staying. Mandy resolves that rescuing the pup and saving Sinbad from an untimely death are two of the most important things that she must do. And, if she's lucky, maybe she'll have time to fit in a little shopping before her London trip quickly slips out of her grasp, and she finds herself back home in Welford. London has always been a place that I would love to visit; so having the opportunity to see it through the eyes of two of my favorite characters in fiction - Mandy Hope and James Hunter - was a delightful experience that will most certainly please avid ANIMAL ARK readers. Mandy Hope is her typical, lovable self; striving to save anyone and everyone in her path, who happens to need help at the moment. She is selfless and kind, and always on the lookout for a new animal to save - no matter where she finds herself. James's character is quite similar. Even though he's on the trip of a lifetime to London, he does what he can to assist Mandy in rescuing the boisterous Bruno, and the stressed out Sinbad. James's incessant ramblings of information found within his London guidebook is quite humorous, and adds a little history and interesting facts to the story - providing readers with some behind-the-scenes info about London, as well as the various attractions they offer tourists. As with many of the previous ANIMAL ARK books, James's Labrador, Blackie, isn't present to contribute any trouble or mischief to the tale; however, the lovable Bruno manages to do that himself. The tiny brown Labrador is such a humorous, funny character, who creates trouble no matter where he goes - whether he's splashing through public fountains, or stealing hot dogs from picnics and vendors. Bruno isn't the only interesting new character to enter the story. Sinbad is also enjoyable, with his constant chatter; and the self-mutilating condition that he has, caused by stress, is very interesting to learn about. While each of the animal characters contribute a lot to PUP AT THE PALACE, characters such as New Yorker Casey, and SPCA worker Penny lend fun, informational, kind voices to the story. Ben M. Baglio has managed to weave another delightful ANIMAL ARK tale that is impossible to put down, and will be loved by animal lovers both young and old. Three cheers for Baglio! Erika Sorocco Freelance Reviewer