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Synopsis
Join Stanley and his friends in the best dogpile ever as they show us humans that dogs know best, and that what really counts is having fun!
Children's Literature
Stanley, the irrepressible pup of other adventures by Bailey and Slavin, is groomed and taken by his people to the park one day. There he discovers from his doggy buddies that they have all been prepared for a contest to choose the most beautiful dog. The smell of the delicious prize doggy cookies excites them all, particularly Stanley, who missed his breakfast. The first test is for the fastest dog. Eager as he is, Stanley doesn't win. Nor does he ace the "Best Tricks." For the most beautiful, Stanley tries hard, even though he has no idea what beautiful means. But he is not chosen. Hungry as he is, Stanley can't resist reaching for a piece of the prize cookie up on the table. In the resulting chaos, the dogs all have the best time ever. Although they scold him, Stanley's people finally feed him. And all the dogs have a lot to talk about in the days ahead. The gesso-covered surfaces give Slavin's acrylic paints a texture suggesting the coat of a dog. But the major visual appeal is in the active personality he creates for each: poodle, bull dog, terrier, etc. And the humor continues in the depiction of the suburban dog folks. Double-page scenes generate anticipation while others deliver slapstick action. Stanley is the focus, of course, and he performs with gusto. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz