Young pet lovers will relish Guinness’s chance to experience school just like a human, and Penny Weber’s entertaining illustrations showcase her doing just that: from raising her paw in class to donning a swim cap for water ballet in the pool, Guinness’s facial expressions and lively actions perfectly mimic a dog’s personality. Her antics throughout the day are larger-than-life, but Dottie takes it all in stride, allowing Guinness the chance to stay true to her Dalmatian self while the pair revel in their school playtime together. When Chilean exchange student Maximo informs Dottie he’s here to “wrestle as many Americans as I can,” Guinness promptly accepts the challenge, pinning a laughing Maximo to the ground. Later, school football star Coltrane gets his own help from Guinness to score a touchdown during the evening’s game.

Such amusing action abounds, keeping Guinness—and readers—primed for the next adventure. Guinness’s overeager, playful temperament may get her into trouble from time to time (especially when she tries to join Dottie’s friend’s cheerleading squad on the field), but she somehow always ends up on top, even in the most dire of situations. As Guinness learns, “the show [must] go on,” and there’s no better way to spend the day than rollicking with your furry best friend.

Takeaway: High-spirited Dalmatian upends her owner’s school during Doggie Day.

Comparable Titles: Nina Laden’s The Night I Followed the Dog, Maia Haag’s If My Dog Baxter Could Talk!.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A