Follett Early Learning

Booklist (March 15, 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 14))

Preschool-Grade 1. Inspired by his literary hero, Puss in Boots, an enthusiastic pup heads to the store for his own, “just-as-splendid” footwear. A jolly salesman obliges, sending Dog home with two pairs of boots, which, while very handsome, soon prove not up to the task of digging for bones. After returning them for something more functional, Dog finds that rain boots, ideal for mucking around in dirt, are actually a hindrance to dog-paddling. Likewise, flippers fail at scratching, pumps are pathetic for running, and skis are slow without snow. At last the shopkeeper recommends the things that will perfectly meet all of Dog’s needs: “nice, furry, practical paws.” Dog bounds about happily and humorously with what he had all along, until the final spread and back endpapers, which hint at another sartorial adventure ahead that involves a red hood for riding. With a repetitive text filled with sly, kid-friendly jokes and comical, expressive acrylic paintings, this title exudes storytime fun.

Horn Book (Fall 2011)

In this rewarding circular story, enthusiastic reader Dog, inspired by the story of Puss in Boots, embarks on a quest for some "Bow WOW" yet practical footwear. Assisted by a friendly shopkeeper, he goes through lots of different pairs in order to find his perfect fit. Textures and patterns enhance the humorous illustrations starring an expressive pooch.

Kirkus Reviews starred (February 1, 2011)

Inspired by the story "Puss in Boots," Dog decides that he needs some splendid boots of his own, so he trots off to his local shoe shop to purchase a pair. While the boots are quite handsome, they are not particularly well-suited for digging, so Dog brings them back. Galoshes are great for digging, but not so much for swimming, so... The very appealing illustrations, replete with liveliness, warmth and charm, show Dog as he enthusiastically tries out a variety of footwear options and the ever-patient shopkeeper as he makes helpful suggestions and maintains an unusually generous return policy. After Dog's failed experiments with the original boots, some galoshes, flippers, high heels and skis, he returns again, asking for "...something that's good for digging and swimming and scratching and running. Oh, nice and furry too." Could it be that Dog may already have what he needs? After getting an answer-and having an extremely gratifying romp-Dog returns home to start a new book, this one about a girl with a striking red hood. Uh oh! Children will identify with Dog's good-natured struggle through trial and error, fall in love with the evocative and funny illustrations and laugh out loud at the satisfying ending. A truly enjoyable selection and a nice follow-up to a favorite fairy tale, just right for reading aloud. (Picture book. 3-6)

School Library Journal (February 1, 2012)

Inspired by "Puss in Boots," Dog seeks out special footwear at the local shoe store. All he tries, from elegant boots to high-heeled shoes, will not work for digging, swimming, and scratching. This version is complete with richly amusing text and illustrations. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.