[.ca] Darby The Special Order Pup (ISBN 0803724969)

Good Bull Terrier Book:
I don't think much of the family's training methods in the book, since Bull Terriers should always be crate trained. However, the story is good, the art is up to Alexandra Day's usual marvellous standard, and Darby is a true BT, with all the loveable characteristics of the breed. My 4 year old son truely loved this book.

FIRST RATE ILLUSTRATIONS:
Darby is a lovable, high spirited English Bull. He arrives by crate, special delivery to an unnamed family. The equally unnamed brother and sister try to train their anvil headed English Bull, (these dogs have anvil shaped heads) whose favorite activity appears to be chewing their cushions, photos and furniture. They make some success with their spirited dog and Darby learns to tinkle outside, bark, sit and stay on command. He just can't master that chewing problem, though. Furious with the destructive behavior of the dog, the childrens' father insists that Darby be kept penned in his own fenced corner of the yard. In an amazing, implausible series of events, the family home plunges into water, is immersed below (how did they all breathe) and Darby rescues them. Although the story left something to be desired, I loved the illustrations and was captivated by the English Bull. The illustrations alone were worth 5 stars. Lisa Kopper introduced the world at large to Daisy, an English bull who imitates her owner's child and teaches her puppies as well as her owner's child how to get up to some serious mischief). This book will delight dog lovers, particularly those who love an anvil headed English bull.