A Tale of Two Dogs

Based on the 2004 picture book written by Steven Kroll and illustrated by Mike Reed, this iconographic-animated adaptation, narrated by Debra Leigh, is indeed a tale of two dogs and a family torn between the pair. After adopting a big, playful puppy named Morgan, the Morrison children are delighted (Amy braids Morgan's hair, Andy teaches him to shake, Bebe lets him sleep on her bed); unfortunately, the Morrison parents are less impressed, seeing Morgan as an awkward, oversized, food-begging, howling nuisance. Exhibiting a used-car mentality, the Morrison father "trades-in" Morgan for a smaller, more docile beagle named Peanut. Of course, Peanut's hair is too short to braid, he doesn't learn tricks well, and he won't sleep on Bebe's bed, but the Morrison parents like the new unobtrusive dog a lot…until a phone call from Peanut's owners leads to a two-family meeting from which everyone emerges happy. Genuine dog lovers (such as myself) are likely to be a little irked at the two families' cavalier attitude to pet ownership, but as the Bard says, all's well that ends well, and A Tale of Two Dogs ends well indeed. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)