Puppy Love: 9

Evie and Megan mark the beginning of their new business--and the start of the Pet Patrol series--with a balloon launch. A note attached to each balloon reads: ``Have a lost pet? . . . we'll find it! Have a lonely pet? . . . we'll mind it! . . . Have a hungry pet? . . . we'll feed it! The Pet Patrol? . . . you'll need it!'' The girls' first client asks them to find homes for four puppies; the Pet Patrol succeeds with patience and resourcefulness, and the entrepreneurs are off and running. Animal lovers in particular won't want to miss this animated tale, given added pizzazz by its heroines' ingenuity, persistence and sincerity. The dynamics between the two girls add another enjoyable dimension: Evie is imaginative and optimistic, while Megan is pragmatic and detail-minded. Their personality differences make for lively, humorous dialogue while lending credibility to Duffey's novel. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-11. (Sept.)