Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

This book felt like a new take on Hank the Cowdog. Duke and his dog friends go on adventures to solve crimes in this hilarious and fun book.

Dog Squad is fun and adventurous animal fiction that revolves around Fred, an average underdog who learns to be courageous and finds his forever home. The story is about bravery, courage, fighting fears, friendship, and family.

Writing is easy to follow for young readers, imaginative, and entertaining. The story is written in third person narrative from Fred’s POV. The setting of animal shelters and Second Chance Ranch, home for stray dogs who work in shows and movies is amazing.

Plot is straightforward but filled with adventure. It started with Fred, an average mixed breed dog watching his favorite show ‘Dog Squad’ on TV that leads to destroying the cushions and the sofa that doesn’t turn out well with his owner Big Tony. Big Tony is a mean, money-minded person who brought Fred home thinking he could train him to be a guard dog and will get lots of money by selling the trained dog but Fred is a lovable dog, at all scary, and can never be a guard dog. Fred only wanted to have forever home, be part of family and Big Tony obviously isn’t what he dreams of.

When Big Tony kicks Fred out of house for ruining sofa, he ends up in alley and in animal shelter but fortunately, he is noticed by a good animal handler who takes him to audition for show and eventually gets a temporary role in the Dog Squad show as Fred looks exactly like main hero of Dog Squad, Duke, who broke his leg and couldn’t work in the show. But he isn’t sure he could be the hero he has seen in the TV.

It was interesting to see how Fred will get over his fears, how he will bear the pressure of working in TV shows, be the hero not just in show but in real life too, and if his dream of finding a forever home will come true.

Dog lovers of all age will love Fred. He is lovely, compassionate, caring, and protective dog. In the beginning, we see him as anxious dog who doesn’t like his current owner. His story of how he ends up with Big tony is touching and I wanted to hug this lovely dog. He is kind hearted dog who likes to help everyone, even a mouse who takes leftover cheese of Big Tony. But Tony and other humans it looked like he is scared of mouse. He doesn’t see himself a hero but very early in story we see how brave and courageous Fred is. It takes courage to help total stranger, stand up against bullies, and saving little pup even if that means going against his owner’s command and he does it all without being afraid of consequences. Best thing about him was he is such a humble soul. He never boasts when he does something amazing and arrogance isn’t in his blood even when he permanently replaces original Duke. I felt for him when he has to face Big Tony again and when Cha Cha, a female Chow Chow discouraged him so often. I loved how he does heroic actions when real-life dangers comes and follows his instinct when his friend needed him.

All dogs are amazing, quirky, and fun to read. Scruffy and Nala are my favorite. They are as brave as Fred and I liked them for saving Duke even though he is always awful with them. Tater is such an adorable puppy and I even liked Reginald.

Jenny and Abby are amazing too. Jenny is dog trainer who adopts stray dogs and train them for shows, movies and commercials and gives them their forever home. Abby is her middle-grade niece who is a pet psychic, allegedly. It was great how they work and I loved Abby’s connection with Tater and how she tries to understand all dogs’ feelings.

Best part is all the Dog Squad scenes and their adventure. I loved how author shows through Duke that people are different from their characters in shows and movies, they aren’t always how we assum them to be. I also liked many wise lines and message of facing fear, courage and what true hero is. It was great that even humans who were mean aren’t abusive which makes the story perfect for young kids.

Twist and turns aren’t surprising but they are well written. Climax is action-packed, tense with Adelaide hurricane and dog going out to be true hero. I liked how author wraps the story and gives forever home to even dogs who are bullies for most of the story.

Author’s note is another best part. Fred’s wags to riches tale is actually inspired by author’s dog whose name was also Fred and I loved reading how he too was a show dog before author adopted him.

Overall, Dog Squad is entertaining, fun, adventurous, and fast paced animal fiction that young readers will adore and even dog lovers of all age will love to read.

I highly recommed this if you like,
dogs
animal fiction
quick adventurous story
well written action scenes by dogs
animate dog movies like Bolt

Grabenstein is a must-purchase for most libraries nowadays, but if you're on the fence, Dog Squad is a winner! All the dogs are hilarious and have their own personalities (even if some of them are awful) and the humans are various as well. The villain is goofy and over-the-top, but it fits perfectly with the story. I've already convinced a number of patrons to read it and eagerly await their feedback, but Dog Squad is a keeper in my book!

This is a fun adventure book all about dogs! The premise is precious. Fred loves his role models, the dogs on the Dog Squad TV show that he watches. He soon not only gets to meet them, but be a special part of the show. Like all of Chris Grabenstein’s books, it is full of great lessons and lots of heart and fun. I must say I like the Lemoncello books better, but this was still a fun read and one that is sure to be popular for its demographic,

This was an adorable book for anyone who enjoys dog books. I thought it was a great start to a series and I'm excited to read more!

Chris Grabenstein has another winner with Dog Squad, the first book in a new series that is sure to be a favorite with middle grade readers. Follow the action as Fred, a lovable dog, is adopted and becomes the new star in the TV show Dog Squad. Amazingly, this book is based on the true story of Chris Grabenstein's real dog. Fast paced, action packed, and full of humor, I couldn't put it down and finished the same day I started.

Fred the dog’s favorite show is Dog Squad. With its live action scenes featuring the brave lead dog Duke and capable sidekicks, it is must-see entertainment for every dog. When Fred lands in an animal shelter, he finds himself rescued by Jenny, who trains animals for television and theater shows, and her niece Abby, who considers herself a pet psychic. His close resemblance to Duke lands him a job as Duke’s temporary replacement after Duke is sidelined due to injury. Fred needs to show he has what it takes to get the job done amidst natural disasters, dognappers, and some jealous co-stars. Young animal lovers and reluctant readers alike will enjoy this funny and action-packed tale of how the underdog Fred comes to be a star!

Thank you PRH International for the gifted digital ARC.

I'm not really sure why I picked a children's book up but I'm so so glad I did. I honestly did not expect my adult self to enjoy it as much as I did! I was hooked! This is a really fun story that kids and adults should definitely read. It talks about the importance of kindness, friendship, family, bravery and being true to oneself.

I do hope this is a series. I would love to read more!

Mr. Lemoncello's Library author Chris Grabenstein hits gold again with Dog Squad - the beginning to what I hope is a new series. Fred is a nice dog who's had a rough time of it in his just about two years of life. He had a home with Susan, who loved him and treated him so well... until she chose her stuck-up boyfriend over Fred. Then, he was adopted from the shelter by a lout named Tony, who wanted to turn him into a guard dog by "toughening him up", which really meant abusing him and neglecting him. Fred's only refuge was the show, Dog Squad, where Duke, Scruffy, and Nala, three heroic dogs, had exciting adventures every week! When Tony kicks Fred out and he ends up in a shelter, it's good fortune that he's adopted again: this time, by Jenny, the producer of Dog Squad, and her niece, Abby, who claims to be a dog psychic! Fred's thrilled to meet his idol, but he's crushed when Duke turns out to be pretty awful in real life. The tables turn when Duke's injured and Fred, who resembles Duke, is asked to stand in for Duke on Dog Squad until he heals up, but Fred isn't brave like he thinks Duke is. It'll take some real-life adventure, including standing up to bullies. to help Fred understand that bravery takes all sorts of forms, but it's something that starts inside you. A touching story about friendship, self-worth, and finding a forever home, Dog Squad was inspired by Chris Grabenstein's dog, Fred: have tissues when you read his words about Fred at the end of the story. Black and white cartoon illustrations throughout will make readers wonder when this will become a movie (at least, that's what I was thinking). Have kids who loved Paw Patrol but have aged up from Easy Readers and 8x8 media tie-ins? This is your new go-to book. The story even has Paw Patrol-esque catchphrases like, "Pawsome!"

Visit Chris Grabenstein's author page for a Dog Squad excerpt and video piece on the real Fred's story (and Mr. Lemoncello stuff galore).

Title - Dog Squad

Author - Chris Grabenstein

Genre - Middle Grade

Received an e-arc from NetGalley. Thank you so much Penguin Books

Plot:

Dog Squad is the story of Fred, an average dog who looks upto Duke, a superhero dog on TV. What he doesn't realise earlier is that he is apparently a lookalike of Duke and when he gets thrown into a kennel, his life is going to change forever. He is then taken in as Duke since Duke is injured and how he wins everyone's heart in this adventurous novel.

My thoughts on the book:

My reviews for Middle Grade books are generally not that long since they need to be read to experience. The book does manage to bring that little smile on your face throughout eventhough you generally know what comes next. What's even more heart melting is the story of author's dog Fred upon whom the titular character is based, who ultimately found his furever home.

So if you are looking for a thrilling Middle Grade book for you or your kids, this one won't disappoint one bit. On the contrary, your child might ask you to adopt one little friend for themselves.

My Ratings - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5 out of 5 stars)

I llike this but I just don't feel the overall concept. But I did mentioned this to my younger cousin and i think he's interested.

Dog squad delivers exactly what it promises. A regular stray dog finds himself thrust into the world of Hollywood due to his resemblance to a famous dog. He learns that the dog actor is self-important and cruel, a sharp contrast to his brave and selfless character. So of course, the reader and the director come to prefer Fred with his humble and helpful attitude. His kindness wins over everyone he meets, including tough customers. It's a bit predictable but should play well with middle grade readers.

A fast fun read for elementary-aged dog lovers! illustrations throughout will keep reader's attention.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Dog lovers of all ages will cheer for these strays who find their forever home and star in top rated TV show. Fred has lost his first home when his owner's fiance didn't want him. He ended up in a second home with a thug named Tony. He was thrown out and captured. At the dog shelter, he is selected to audition for a Broadway show. And, this is all in the first few chapters. From here, Grabenstein shares Fred's life as he interacts with a variety of other TV dogs and newbies who will become TV stars. Readers see that Fred is a real hero as he rescues other dogs and children throughout the book.
The author shares that Fred is based on one of his own dogs and this connection comes through in the writing. The love shines through the humor and adventure. Middle grade readers will appreciate the shorter chapters and fast pace.
Hope this is the start of a new series.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute book, though definitely not my favorite from Chris Grabenstein. The super short chapters and quick action make it a good choice for both younger and reluctant readers. I did really like the premise, and that it was based on a true story of how Grabenstein came to adopt his own dog. I also liked the Paw-Patrol-meets-Bolt storyline and think fans of that show or that movie will particularly enjoy this book. Overall, I am not sure that established fans of Grabenstein will love it, but it just might open the door for new readers to discover him.

I always enjoy Chris Grabenstein's books and Dog Squad was equally as enjoyable. The short and action filled chapters are sure to hook young and reluctant readers into the story. I loved how this book was inspired by the author's experience of adopting his own dog. Readers are sure to fall in love with Fred as they follow his adventure on and off the screen. This is a great choice for all middle grade readers.

Grabenstein nails down the "voices" of the dogs in this straight forward superhero/dog story mashup. Dog squad will appeal to those kids who love dog stories and are wanting a funny read.

What a delightful book! My elementary school students will love it. The story has all the elements of a hit.
The plot is a sweet one. It will especially appeal to those readers that love dogs as well as superhero adventures.
The humor will send my students into hysterics.. The author is a favorite of my students and his latest testifies to it.

What a cute book! I read this aloud to my son and we had some great laughs together. I will definitely include this in my classroom library for my other students to enjoy. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my opinions.