Puppies on Board

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

Mollie’s home on a boat becomes very crowded when her dog, Sheba,
gives birth to 11 puppies. Mollie loves them all, especially the
smallest, Wilbur. But in no time at all the rambunctious, noisy puppies
are clamouring all over the boat, getting into mischief, and leaving
chaos in their wake. When Mother remarks for the second time, “One dog
is enough for me,” Mollie devises a plan to find homes for the
puppies. She invites all her friends and neighbours to a tea party.

Plied with fresh strawberries and cream, light, fluffy scones served
with homemade jam, and three kinds of tea, and entertained by Elizabeth,
Olaf, and a couple of the talented canines, by the time Mollie’s
guests leave they are feeling so mellow that each agrees to take one or
two of the puppies with them. Only tiny Wilbur is left. But it turns out
that Mollie has a very special home in mind for Wilbur.

One cannot help laughing at the antics of the 11 mischievous puppies,
especially in the confined space of the small boat. Rose Cowles’s
humorous illustrations extend the text and add to the fun. Young readers
will delight in Mollie’s choice of story with which to calm the lively
puppies: “Where the Wild Things Are.” Others will undoubtedly
recognize many of the names given to the puppies: Eeyore, Piglet,
Tigger, Pooh, Heidi, Stuart, Charlotte, Margalo, Max, Pippi, and, of
course, Wilbur.

If ever justification were needed for the spaying or neutering of pets,
this book would be it. It seems surprising that Mollie’s mother, a
teacher, no less, hadn’t enough foresight to have Sheba “fixed”
long before. However, primary grade children are sure to enjoy this
amusing tale. Recommended.