HOTEL FOR DOGS

The Walkers must move across country to live with Aunt Alice for the school year, leaving behind Andi's beloved dog, Bebe. Since the new neighborhood is awash in stray dogs of all kinds, what can lonely kids do but welcome them to the empty house down the street? Kellgren's pacing is perfect for enhancing the humor laced throughout as the children struggle to keep their enterprise a secret. She reflects the story’s wide range of emotions—from excitement and enthusiasm as the kids build "the hotel staff" with new friends to the miseries that accompany a move to a new community. With the quavery voice of Aunt Alice and the bright sopranos of the children, Kellgren propels listeners to the satisfying ending. R.H.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2009]