There are both pros and cons to this picturebook.

Cons: Ivan's eyes, especially on the cover, totally freak me out. They look like they're marbles embedded in wooden cut-outs. Shades of Coraline...

You have to be familiar with several stories to really "get" the story - Three Billy Goats Gruff, Gingerbread Boy, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Three Little Pigs. Now this may seem like a no-brainer, but I read Bad Boys Get Cookie to a mixed group of kids a while ago and not a single one got the Hansel and Gretel reference.

Pros: Lots of arfy goodness - I can see some excellent storytimes ahead with a good barking chorus.

Fans of the interrupted narrative, as in Melanie Watt's Chester books will love this!

Verdict: So, not perfect, but a good solid addition and I think will be well-received at any library.

ISBN: 978-1416912477; Published September 2007 by Athenaeum; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Added to my personal wishlist

Cute concept. A dog runs into every story that the narrator is trying to tell and messes it up one way or another. This coupled with the bold text will engage listeners of every age. I must say though that the illustrations did not thrill me and the end was (yawn) predictable. ( )

I liked this story. I think it would work best with kids who are already very familiar with the standard kids' stories, like The Three Little Pigs, The Gingerbread Man, and so on. I bet they'd love the twist of Ivan the Terrier interrupting each story! ( )

A terrier named Ivan keeps interrupting story hour. Ivan loves a good story. Like that one about the three bears or those three billy goats. Where else can a dog find such playmates action fun... or a cookie? ( )