Happy Tails: The Call of Nature Book

(For ages 7–12) A children’s tale that examines the role of modern technologies, this story reintroduces readers to Pearl Barker who has just discovered the wonders of e-mail, cell phones, texting, and instant messaging. She's even put wireless routers in all her farm buildings so she can check her e-mail while gathering eggs and doing her chores. Soon Pearl becomes more interested in staying at the computer or on the cell phone than going outside. She neglects her duties and becomes homebound. Earl, her husband, feels lonesome and rejected. When he has to make his own breakfast and burns the toast, Earl goes over the edge. He takes Pearl on a vacation to get her back to nature and rediscover her love of the outdoors and the benefits of an active lifestyle.

News-Gazette (Champaign Illinois)

The book's vivid, playful photos and punny text capture [the dogs'] escapades with laptops, ice cream cones, and even a trip to the beauty parlor.