I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A really likeable main character that kids will enjoy reading about. A fun storyline.

Eric our narrator is almost ten, and is having trouble with his large, boisterous dog, Ugly, who is always getting into mischief. Dad is tired of it and threatens to tie Ugly up in the back yard. Eric feels his dog is bored so he sets out to find Ugly a job that will keep him occupied and out of trouble. With help from his classmates, Eric puts Ugly to work in a series of jobs, including dog trainer, duck herder and lost dog finder. How’d that work out? NOT too good! Just as the book seems like it will end sadly, A happy resolution is found.

Young readers will be drawn to the short easy-to-read chapters with a great young voice. There is lots of realistic humor and is simply to fun read You’ll find some tips on how to care for dogs. Also, thanks to a character named Barnaby, who is a classmate on the autism spectrum, readers gain an insight into the kinds of behaviors commonly shown by an autistic child, and learn how to sympathise with differences.

I can relate to these high energy dogs! I have two grand dogs who fit this bill to a t! I don'k either of them would make great service dogs, but one never knows... I like this story and I think the kiddos will, too. Especially those kids who love dogs! Ugly, the dog, finds his place in the world after all! Wonderful and hopeful story of a rambunctious dog and the boy who loves him. Good summer read!