Bulldog Won't Budge (Pet Trouble Series #4) Book

Eric can't wait to get a dog he can run around and play with, like his friend Parker's golden retriever. But Meatball the bulldog doesn't seem to be the run-around-and-play type ... Even when they go for a walk, Meatball sits down on the sidewalk! Can Eric get this stubborn bulldog to get up and go?

Children's Literature

Eric always wanted a dog to run and play with just like his sixth-grade pals. Meatball, a bulldog abandoned at his mom's veterinary practice, is not quite what he had in mind. The dog smells, drools, snores loudly, and walks only on his terms. Eric agrees to take the dog home, at least overnight, but, first, he must get the animal past his overbearing teen twin sisters and their haughty, spoiled cats. As days progress, Eric finds himself drawn to the dog and his quirky ways. He must juggle acceptance of the bulldog by his family where only stepdad Tony is an ally with his first middle school crush on the fair Rebekah. As Meatball slowly beguiles himself with Eric and his pal, his sisters go behind his back and post a notice on the school's website to give the dog away. The gloves are off, and Eric, with the help of brave Meatball, fights for and wins the right to keep the dog that is not exactly the dog of his dreams. This is number four in the "Pet Trouble" series, and, with its likeable protagonist, loveable dog, and witty, fast-paced plot, it is sure to be popular. The camaraderie among Eric's friends rings true. Eric's growth from a boy afraid to fight for what he believes in to one who will stand up to his difficult sisters evolves realistically. Book lovers will like the plug that Eric and Rebekah give to their favorite authors Lloyd Alexander, Diana Wynne Jones, and Susan Cooper. This is a good selection to recommend to readers who want a quick read with substance. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey