Space Dog and Roy

The standard boy-and-his-dog tale takes on a new, diverting dimension in the first volume of a series about a most unusual pooch ( Space Dog and the Pet Show is being released concurrently). Roy is a down-to-earth boy who longs for a pet dog to protect him from the school bully. His wish is granted when a canine literally drops into his life, crashing his spaceship into Roy's backyard. Space Dog--whose name is really Qrxztlqstet --comes from the planet Queekrgstet , where dogs lead anything but a dog's life. In order to hide his true identity from Roy's parents, Space Dog does his best to act like an Earth pet, but it isn't easy. He hates the thought of walking around naked--on four legs--and he refuses to eat dog food out of a dish on the floor. Space Dog has a delightfully sharp tongue, and a number of the scenes in which Roy attempts to convert his new pet to the ways of this world are hilarious. Offering a swiftly paced plot presented in large-print text and Oechsli's droll drawings,this is an ideal choice for reluctant readers. Ages 6-9. (Nov.)