FICTION

Animal Inn: A Furry Fiasco

by Jennifer Swender
JACOBS, Paul DuBois & . illus. by Stephanie Laberis. 112p. ebook available. S. & S./Aladdin. Dec. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781481462242; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781481462235.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–4—A scarlet macaw named Leopold Augustus Gonzalo Tyler relates the chronicles of Animal Inn (a pet hotel, school, and spa) as its residents prepare for the arrival of a special guest. Some speculate it will breathe fire, some are afraid they may be eaten, and others expect the special guest will have toxic spit. Once quarters are prepared in the basement and three handlers arrive, the creatures of Animal Inn meet a sick and lonely Komodo dragon. But just as soon as "Miss KD" tells her story of capture and confinement, the plot fast-forwards to her departure to a new home, leaving the creatures with very different feelings.
VERDICT While some advanced chapter book readers may find redeeming qualities in the interactions of the characters, even the most devoted animal lovers will be less than satisfied by the uneven pacing, forgettable characters, and dull dialogue.
Reviewed by Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa
The Tylers, (human) owners of the Animal Inn, provide pet services and boarding, offering "any habitat a guest might need." In both formulaic installments (each narrated by a different animal inhabitant), a rumor of a scary upcoming guest gets the family pets in a tizzy. Short chapters, humorous misunderstandings, and peppy narrators will appeal to new chapter-book readers. Muddily produced black-and-white illustrations are included. Review covers these Animal Inn titles: A Furry Fiasco and Treasure Hunt.
 , Oct 01, 2016

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