Holt, Christopher, The Last Dogs:
The Vanishing. pgs. 371. Hachette Book Group, 2012. Language: G, Mature
Content: PG, Violence: PG
When all the humans in the world
disappear, everything goes to the dogs (literally). When the man taking care of
him while his family’s on vacation disappears, Max a yellow lab enlist the help
of two dogs named Rocky and Gizmo to help him find his family. With dangerous,
angry wolves on their tail, the trio set out find Madame Curie, an older dog
who seemed to know what was going on before she disappeared as well. Angry
wolves aren’t the trio’s only problem, however, lack of food, crazy dog
leaders, cats, rats, and the Ultimate Threat are but a few obstacles they’ll
face. Will they find their humans? What does Madame Curie know? What really
happened to all the humans?
Illustrations are detailed and use
multiple levels of shading to bring to life the characters and various scenes
throughout the book. Except for Max, Gizmo, and Rocky, the other dogs in the
book are hard to relate to and buy into, which hinders readers being pulled
into the dogs’ new world. The adventure is well developed and paced while still
maintaining the level of mystery needed for the readers to stay engaged.
Children who have liked Erin Hunter’s Warriors
series and spin-offs or who like fantasy adventure seen through animals’
eyes will enjoy reading this book. Recommended for most libraries. EL.
ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.
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