Woof: A Bowser and Birdie Novel

Title: Woof: A Bowser and Birdie Novel

Bibliographic information:

Author: Spencer Quinn

• Series: Bowser and Birdie
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.; Reprint edition (April 26, 2016)
• Language: English

Reader's Annotation:

Bowser and his  human, Birdie, sniff out a mystery in the Louisiana swamp.

Interest Level: Ages 7-11

Lexile level: 650L

Awards, if applicable:

Not Applicable

Plot summary: When Birdie and her Grammy sees Bowser in the cage of the animal shelter, Birdie and Bowser immediately connect with each other.  And it’s a good thing, because there are mysteries in the swamp and Bowser just might be able to sniff out the answers.  Grammy’s prized marlin, Black Jack, has been stolen.  Now, there are rumors dogging the swamp that the missing marlin might be connected to a mysterious treasure map.

Critical review:  This book is told from Bowsers point of view - and it’s a very entertaining dog’s eye view of a mystery.  This allowed the author to play with the conventions, to explore what a mystery smells like and sounds like in addition to what a human might perceive.  Children also enjoy Bowser’s dog-like reactions which he performs without shame (like the pit stop on the carpets!).  

Why include it?

This mystery is a playful and fun read for fans of mysteries and dog lovers alike.