The Duke Loves to play tricks on everyone and has taught his dog, Tricky to help him. The book calls them tricks, but many of the things they do are just plain mean. When a new baker arrives in town, the Duke continues his tricks but something changes. Mrs. Paisley gives Tricky a treat and a scratch that melts his heart (kind of like the grinch). He realizes that what they are doing is wrong and wants the Duke to stop. He plays tricks and pranks on the Duke until he is kicked out of the house. The old premise of being able to dish it out but not being able to take it fits here. Tricky changes his ways and finds a new home. Once he is alone, the Duke realizes that playing tricks is no fun if you are doing it yourself and changes his ways as well.

This story would make a great mentor text for different literacy skills. It can be used to inference, predict, theme or lesson etc. It can also be used in an art lesson teaching detail. This book could also be used when teaching about bullying, putting yourself in someone else's shoes (Golden Rule) and trying to change bad behaviours or habits. I loved the illustrations. They reminded me of old time cartoons with Snidley Whiplash. A great book for schools, classroom and home libraries.

Odd little story, but enjoyable! I loved the illustrations! Mean, but funny! Smart dog Tricky!

Can you teach a old dog new tricks? This fun picture book about Tricky and his owner who play tricks on people and are generally mean. Eventually Tricky is treated nicely and he enjoys the feeling so much that he eels ways to be nice, not mean.

Book – Tricky
Author – Kari Rust
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 40
Cover – Gorgeous!
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – Comic, Children's Fiction


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **


Format FYI:
First off, I have to say that the Kindle version didn't work for me. It left me with text outside of boxes, in places that didn't make sense, and whole images blacked out. I had to download the acsm version and read it on my laptop, which was uncomfortable and inconvenient, but the simplest way to do it. Lucky, I wasn't postponed from downloading this second version by delayed reading, but I do have to admit, I don't normally get to a book this quickly, so I would have been unable to write a proper review if the book had been archived by the time I realised I needed a different version.

Onto the story:
This is a really cute concept that will really resonate with kids. The fact that it's Tricky the dog who learns to change first, which inspires the Duke to do the same, is a really great idea. It shows that not only can old dogs learn new tricks, but also that people can change with the right incentive, the right motivation and by seeing the consequences of what they're doing wrong. Though the 'tricks' aren't dangerous or physically hurt anyone, the lesson is there, shown through beautiful illustrations and very emotive images that really spark a light in the heart.

A brilliant story for kids and adults alike.

This book poses the question - can you teach an old dog new tricks?
I loved the story and the images and the ending was pretty good too!
And yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks, and his naughty master too!
A good fun read, 4 stars

Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks? Tricky and his master Duke seem to be well known, if not well liked, by the people in their town. They spend all day trying to trick, take advantage of and aggravate others. What will happen when the new baker shows Tricky kindness for the first time? This is a great story showing that sometimes a leopard can change his spots. The illustrations are well done and seem an homage to a different era.

Tricky by Kari Rust was a cute story about teaching an old dog new tricks and realizing that tricks being played on others can be cruel. Tricky the dog had fun playing tricks on people with his owner until one day he receives kindness from the baker. He realizes that playing tricks is unkind and looks for a way to get his owner to understand. Tricky eventually makes a new home with the baker and learns how to be kind.