Book Review: Space Dog and Roy (delightfully funny and creative children's book)

Space Dog and Roy, by Natalie Standiford (Avon Books, 1990, 74pp, ages 7-9, grades 2-3)

Boy Wants Dog. Dad is Allergic. Boy Gets Dog.

Isn't that always the way it works when one has children? 

But this dog is no ordinary dog, but something else in disguise with a name that describes it all. Space Dog was sent from outer space (Tzaxette on Queekrg to be exact) to learn about humans and has a hard time learning from his human, Roy, how to be a dog. But first, Space Dog must repair the engine in his spacecraft.

Space Dog, whose real name is Qrxztlq, would rather read the newspaper that he brings in ("Good Dog!") and would rather eat pizza than dog food from the floor. As for wearing a collar and walking on a leash, forget it! He wants to wear clothes and sleep in the top bunk and thinks it's silly to walk on all fours. And, he most certainly does not want to pick up a tennis ball in his mouth that another dog had slobbered on!

But I digress. Roy is being bullied at school by Stanley. And so the plot thickens. 

What does a boy's best friend have to do with a bully? Read the book to find out! But first, be ready to laugh!