Description: "Despite his pleadings and various bargaining maneuvers, Rufus' requests for a dog have repeatedly been denied by his work-at-home dad, a clean freak with a strict no-dogs policy. In an effort towards compromise, Rufus' mom brings home a guinea pig one day, and, surprisingly, father and son do indeed reconcile, if only in their shared dislike of the furry rodent. The more time Rufus spends with the ironically named Fido, however, the more he realizes this is no ordinary guinea pig but a mohawked little furball who acts extraordinarily like a real dog; soon Rufus finds himself trying desperately to convince his father and his friends (and maybe even himself) that this rotund guinea dog is the ideal pet. An authentic kid voice and a bit of whimsical wish-fulfillment make for an intriguing twist on the typical boy-and-dog story. Rufus' narration is fresh and funny, particularly when he's poking fun at his father or observing the complex dynamics of boy-girl interactions, and his descriptions of Fido's wiggly behind and raucous screeching only add to the story's playful charm. Though the realistic subplots aren't quite up to the same level, this is a bouncy and animated pet story, and youngsters hoping for their own puppy privileges will find amusement in Rufus' triumph over the pesky rules of adults." --The Bulletin of the Center for the Children's Books

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