Synopsis
Sidney invents a "changing box," which can change whatever he puts into it into something else.
Publishers Weekly
Sidney is a second-grade whiz kid who's invented a machine called a Changing Box. After transforming his baby sister, car and canary, Sidney gets bored and decides to step into his Changing Box with his dog Wally. Wally is not enthusiastic, but Sidney prods him. The switch accomplished, Sidney finds out the hard way that it's best to be what you are. It really is a dog's life when a human being is on the inside looking out. And Wally doesn't adapt easily to being a boy, either. Just before the dogcatcher gets his clutches on Sidney (as dog), boy and dog rush home and return to their original state. Gackenbach's humor is deadpan and right on the mark. Ages 3-6. (April)