Review: Dottie and Weasel: Lemonade Fiasco by Charlotte Panning

SUMMARY FROM AMAZON.COM:

We all have days when everything seems to go wrong. New children's book author Charlotte Panning, in her book, Dottie and Weasel: Lemonade Fiasco, tells a whimsical story about two adorable dogs: one sweet and good-natured, the other feisty and high-strung. The two dogs go loafing around the neighborhood and a fiasco unfolds that lands them in deep trouble.
This book is part of The Adventures of Dottie and Weasel children's book series. The books are for children ages seven and up. Illustrations have been added to enhance the reading experience for the child.
Typically, in the description area for the book, the author likes to provide some details about the story. However, Dottie, one of the main characters in the book, insists she be given this honor. So without further delay, here are a few words from Dottie:
“Hello, everyone. Okay, I know you all were expecting to hear from my creator, Charlotte Panning, but I strongly felt, since I was a lead character in the book, the honor to tell you about the story should be mine. Naturally, there was a rather heated discussion between Charlotte and me revolving around this issue. But my superb skills in the art of persuasion won me the honor.
“I told Charlotte, when she was writing this book, I have a “mastermind” that would have saved me from getting into the troublesome situation that transpires in the story. But no, she wouldn't listen to me. Instead, my dear pal Weasel and I find ourselves the victims of a fiasco that transpires into even further trouble for us that wretched day. It irks me every time I think about what happened that day!
“Okay, I have to admit the troublesome fiasco came about because I couldn't squelch my desire to go loafing around the neighborhood. But, hey, what is life without a little adventure, right?
“You'll meet Flex the cat in this story. Flex and I have what may be described as a love-hate relationship. I'm not feeling the love in this story because Flex's actions make me see red. Come read the story, Dottie and Weasel: Lemonade Fiasco, and find out what Flex does that turns my day into an unforgettable fiasco.”

MY TAKE:

This book was longer than I thought it would be, but that's okay.

In Dottie and Weasel: Lemonade Fiasco, Dottie and Weasel get drenched in lemonade thanks to Flex. This results in some interesting developments for the three of them soon enough.

Dottie and Weasel are both dogs, but because of Dottie's bossy nature and Weasel's meekness, Dottie seems more cat-like than dog-like. Weasel is very cute and puppy-like.

Cat lovers might not be a fan of the book as much, though, since the villain of the book is a cat. Flex is just a mean cat so the ending was particularly satisfying.


The black-and-white sketch illustrations are reminiscent of older children's books. The whole vibe, really, is very old school, but the choice of words is very modern.

This book would be great for grade schoolers or for bedtime reading over a few days.

Thanks to the author for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. Dottie and Weasel interact like little kids would.
2. It can help kids learn how to take better care of their pets.
3. It ends happily.

THE BAD:

1. Cat fans might not like the portrayal of the cat as the villain of the story.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Next, she grabs her pillow, the bag of barbeque potato chips, and her sleeping bag.

READ IT IF:

1. Your child likes dogs.
2. You like children's books that remind you of the "older" children's books from the '70s and '80s.
3. Your child has pets.

RATING:


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