No Dogs Allowed by Stephanie Calmenson (review)

Lucie and Kate are best friends, next-door neighbors, and dog lovers, but neither of their mothers will allow them to have a pet, so they focus on supporting the local shelter via a songwriting contest. When they acquire identical thrift-store necklaces with pink, bone-shaped pendants, they discover that the jewelry can magically turn them into dogs. Entertained by their newfound transformational abilities, Kate and Lucie alternate between doggy pursuits, such as eating new foods and teasing a pair of annoying neighborhood boys, and working on their song as human girls. The light tone, playful premise, and canine connection will appeal to many youngsters, and the clear writing, quick pace, and large font will all help support chapter-book newbies. The characters are pretty two-dimensional, however, and the plot is utterly predictable—not only do the girls win the songwriting contest but they do so after teaming up with the annoying boys. Ross’s frequent black and white illustrations, featuring a multicultural cast, are lighthearted and comic; the dog versions of Kate and Lucie even goofily resemble their human counterparts. Despite its shortcomings, this will appeal to pet lovers, especially those looking for a breezy chapter book.