This book was cute, much like the first one. I like the intrepid group of animals who take matters into their own hands and work together to change their own fate. It reminds of movies I've loved like Bolt or even The Brave Little Toaster. The characters are likable, the ending is happy, and the illustrations are cute. It's a good solid book that I think my students will enjoy.

When I saw there was a new Dogtown book, I jumped to read it. This is the second installment of the delightful Dogtown series. If you love dogs (or animals even), this book has them! Add in Mouse and their (metal) friend Smoke Alarm, and you've got a fun crew. The dogs at Dogtown wait to be adopted, but there are certain dogs that get to be Reading Buddies. Buster wasn't deemed a good enough dog for Reading Buddies. He's a bounceback (many times over) and according to Management, he misbehaves. But Mouse sees the potential in Buster, while also having fun with his friend in Dogtown.

One day, Buster meets Saanvi - and the adventures begin! This story is full of fun, adventures, and friendship. It shows what lengths dogs, mice, and people will go to in order to be with their families. Be prepared for all the feels! I can't wait for the next in this series.

Set in an animal shelter, this story is about an unlikely friendship between a shelter dog, Buster, desperate to be adopted and a mouse. Much like the tale of the Lion and the Mouse, the story is also about courage and that even small creatures can do great things. This story is sometimes difficult to read as obstacles appear that Buster and Mouse must overcome. Their triumphs are that much sweeter because of these. Funny at times Mouse and Buster are lovable and funny. They are surrounded by equally lovable shelter dogs, mice and there is even an encounter with two cats. heartwarming, laugh out loud funny and sad at times this is a great read for any dog loving child.

A fun and joyful follow-up to Dogtown, with the same signature illustrations, short chapters, and heartwarming characters. I really loved the character of Buster and the use of Mouse as a narrator who sees the dogs from the outside. There is better diversity of the children in this book, and I think the illustrations will make this a great read-aloud for the younger readers, while holding the attention of new chapter book readers.

Dream team co-authors Applegate and Choldenko bring readers back for another heartwarming stay in Dogtown (‎Feiwel & Friends, 2023). With Chance happily returned home, this sequel finds her pal Mouse taking over Chance’s role as benefactor to the shelter’s canine and rodent residents. Mouse is determined to help golden retriever Buster find a forever home despite Buster’s history of goofy misbehavior. As in the first book, the protagonist’s quest takes on additional challenges, as Mouse takes real dog Stewie and robot dog Smokey under his care to find homes for them as well.
The plot is more lighthearted than the first novel and short chapters (1 or 2 pages) keep the pace moving quickly. As in the first novel, Dogtown’s residents eloquently express wisdom on issues of life and loss:

Metal Head: “The programming is faulty. To feel joy we must also be willing to feel sadness. I don’t understand the logic.”
Mouse: “It stinks.”
Metal Head: “The world is imperfect...but it’s the only world we have.”

West’s final art not seen in ARC but his sketches still vividly convey canine emotion and humor.
References to classic books including The Borrowers, Stuart Little, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and The Mouse and the Motorcycle will encourage young readers to give these titles a try. Simple dog training tips provide age-appropriate, practical backmatter. Will there be a third Dogtown novel? Uncertain as it seems authors have tied up all the loose ends.

Applegate and Choldenko continue to cause my heart the best kind of pain. Seeing Mouse again is wonderful, he's such a good character and narrator. There are twists, there are turns, there are high points, there are low points. It's a wonderful roller coaster of figuring out what's going to happen next and how Mouse and company are going to deal with the next issue that gets in the way of their goals.