Frank and Laverne by Dave Whamond (review)

In this dual-perspective look at the same relationship, perky pug Frank loves his fish toy, his human family, and his feline companion, Laverne; Laverne’s story reveals that she merely tolerates Frank while coveting his stuffed fish. When an open gate gives Frank the opportunity to put the neighbor dog, Carl, in his place, he quickly realizes he’s in over his head and flees for home with Carl hot on his tail. Luckily, Laverne comes to the rescue and dispatches Carl with some well-aimed claws, and contentment reigns, but “is that how it really happened? Close the book and flip it over for Laverne’s side of the story.” It turns out it was Laverne who opened the gate in an attempt to get rid of Frank, and she only chases Carl off out of self-interest. When Frank offers her his fish as thanks, she grudgingly admits that “Perhaps Frank might have some redeeming qualities.” The differing perspectives are presented in a daily log format, with frenetic Frank conducting his activities in military fashion (“WEDNESDAY 0600 hours: Woke up the neighborhood with lots of barking”) in contrast to Laverne’s more leisurely approach to her day (“I overslept this morning. Luckily I woke up in time for my nap”). Use possibilities abound, as the differing perspectives lend themselves to discussions of point of view and the value of close scrutiny. The tiny print and smallish pictures make this a challenge for large-group sharing, but viewers who can get close enough will be rewarded by small, humorous details in the cartoonish art and hints of the opposing perspective in the illustrations for each side of the tale. Pudgy and pop-eyed, frenzied Frank is a diverting visual foil to the more angular, staid Laverne. Pair this with Gall’s Dog vs. Cat (BCCB 9/14) or with Bruel’s Poor Puppy and Bad Kitty for further exploration of the differences between canines and felines.