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McGrowl #1
Beware Of Dog
Meet Thomas and his new best friend McGrowl--a courageous canine who's bionic to the bone!
When Thomas's loveable dog McGrowl is hit by a car, Thomas is heartbroken. But just when he thinks McGrowl will be lost to him forever, the mysterious vet Dr. Minderbender steps in to save the day. After a strange operation, McGrowl is alive, but he has been changed forever. McGrowl now has super speed, super hearing, and superpowerful sight, smell, and strength -- and a few super-funny tics. Now Thomas and his bionic dog must take on the evil Dr. Minderbender and foil his sneaky plans. Can this one-of-a-kind canine superhero save the day?
When Thomas's loveable dog McGrowl is hit by a car, Thomas is heartbroken. But just when he thinks McGrowl will be lost to him forever, the mysterious vet Dr. Minderbender steps in to save the day. After a strange operation, McGrowl is alive, but he has been changed forever. McGrowl now has super speed, super hearing, and superpowerful sight, smell, and strength -- and a few super-funny tics. Now Thomas and his bionic dog must take on the evil Dr. Minderbender and foil his sneaky plans. Can this one-of-a-kind canine superhero save the day?
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
13 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Bob Balaban
18 books18 followersRobert Elmer "Bob" Balaban (born August 16, 1945) is an American actor, author, producer, and director.
Balaban is the author of a series of six children's novels featuring a bionic dog named McGrowl.
Balaban is the author of a series of six children's novels featuring a bionic dog named McGrowl.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 16, 2022
10 million stars. This was my favorite book series when I was younger
April 1, 2012
A bionic dog, greatest thing ever right? Well that's not the case with Thomas. When Thomas was walking down the street to school, he encountered a hurt dog. He didnt know how to approach it, but he slowly did anyways. After school, Thomas takes his new buddy to the vet, Dr.Minderbinder. Regular vets dont have creepy animals visiting, but this specific doctor does. Dr.Minderbiner has to do a surgery on poor McGrowl. This whole story started because McGrowl had saved Thomas and his best friend Violet from being struck by a huge delivery truck. The surgery went fine, but now McGrowl has these strange super powers. Just like, a super here dog. Saving the world is one thing, but McGrowl will always have time to spend with his proud owner, Thomas. They have to save the rest of the animals from Mr.Minderbiner, but will they be there in time? This story, I reccomend to anyone that loves animals, or has a special pet close to them. My favorite part of this story was when MrGrowl saved Thomas and Viloet. I hope many more people can read this book and enjoy it as much as I did.
April 13, 2010
Mcgrowl;Beware Of dog[Paperback:]
by Bob Balaban
Change edition
One rainy day while Thomas and his friend [and only friend:] were walking they both spotted a dog. Thomas said, "come here boy come here." But his friend said, "no don't do that lets just keep walking" but Thomas stayed. He had wanted a dog all his life. So Thomas went closer to the dog instead of going back.
He checked his pockets for any food but had nothing.So his friend checked her pockets. She had been saving a lolly pop for an emergency. So she gave it to Thomas, and Thomas gave it to the dog. So the dog followed them home. Thomas hid the dog in his room. The next day he had to go to school.
So he told the dog stay here and be good and NO barking. So while the dog was looking out the window the dog saw a cat!! So the dog jumped out of the window and he was chasing the cat!!! Will Thomas be allowed to keep the dog or not? Read this book to find out the adventure that Thomas and the dog get into.
by Bob Balaban
Change edition
One rainy day while Thomas and his friend [and only friend:] were walking they both spotted a dog. Thomas said, "come here boy come here." But his friend said, "no don't do that lets just keep walking" but Thomas stayed. He had wanted a dog all his life. So Thomas went closer to the dog instead of going back.
He checked his pockets for any food but had nothing.So his friend checked her pockets. She had been saving a lolly pop for an emergency. So she gave it to Thomas, and Thomas gave it to the dog. So the dog followed them home. Thomas hid the dog in his room. The next day he had to go to school.
So he told the dog stay here and be good and NO barking. So while the dog was looking out the window the dog saw a cat!! So the dog jumped out of the window and he was chasing the cat!!! Will Thomas be allowed to keep the dog or not? Read this book to find out the adventure that Thomas and the dog get into.
July 23, 2023
Genre(s): children's, science fantasy
Theme(s): dogs, superpowers
Recommended for ages: 8+
Summary: Thomas has never wanted anything more than a dog. He wants one so much in fact that he has split his life into two categories: B.D. (before dog) and A.D. (after dog). When he stumbles on loveable stray McGrowl he brings him home...only temporarily of course. But then McGrowl has an encounter with the mysterious Dr. Minderbender that changes him forever.
Review: I read the second book in this series growing up and remember enjoying it quite a bit. I didn't enjoy this one as much-most likely because I no longer fit the target audience. I found it too unbelievable and silly. That being said I still think a lot of children ages 8-12 would really enjoy this series.
Recommended for fans of: Santa Paws series
If you loved this book then you should try.... Puppy Patrol series, Animal Ark series
Theme(s): dogs, superpowers
Recommended for ages: 8+
Summary: Thomas has never wanted anything more than a dog. He wants one so much in fact that he has split his life into two categories: B.D. (before dog) and A.D. (after dog). When he stumbles on loveable stray McGrowl he brings him home...only temporarily of course. But then McGrowl has an encounter with the mysterious Dr. Minderbender that changes him forever.
Review: I read the second book in this series growing up and remember enjoying it quite a bit. I didn't enjoy this one as much-most likely because I no longer fit the target audience. I found it too unbelievable and silly. That being said I still think a lot of children ages 8-12 would really enjoy this series.
Recommended for fans of: Santa Paws series
If you loved this book then you should try.... Puppy Patrol series, Animal Ark series
January 18, 2024
Thomas dreams of a life with dog.
His parents envision otherwise.
A surprise encounter leads to a rescue hero.
The author vibes with Lemony Snickett and Scooby-Doo on a Marvel level.
Quirky, naming the dog after its favorite fast food joint.
Will McGrowl find his true home?
What disguises are the evildoers wearing now?
Join in to find out!
His parents envision otherwise.
A surprise encounter leads to a rescue hero.
The author vibes with Lemony Snickett and Scooby-Doo on a Marvel level.
Quirky, naming the dog after its favorite fast food joint.
Will McGrowl find his true home?
What disguises are the evildoers wearing now?
Join in to find out!
May 7, 2020
Who wouldn't love a dog who risks his life to save a boy … who's not even "his" boy - yet? McGrowl is such a good dog. You can't help but be drawn into his dilemma, and he's got some big ones... even for a bionic superdog!
December 11, 2021
A cute fast read of a boy who dreams of having a dog of his own when he soon finds a friend in Mcgrowl, what adventures they will have ? Especially after the accident causing Mcgrowl to be a bionic super dog
Read
April 17, 2020Oh
June 22, 2020
A story of a boy and his dog - with a clever twist!
September 8, 2020
I can across this book on Goodreads and it was one of my young childhood books that I was obsessed with. Brought back memories.
January 13, 2025
A good story.
November 17, 2025
I think 🤔 the 📙 book was really weird. I didn't link the ending . It left 👈 a lot of questions unanswered.
January 11, 2010
Thomas and violet are nehibors And best friends. One day they are walking to school. They find a dog. He looks sick ,hungry and tierd. They take him to the vet for a check up. But after that he gets super powers and is changed for ever
This is a realy good book. It is very satisfying and entertaing. I realy think of it as one of the top five books i have read.
I recomend this book to every one. Especialy animal lovers. But if your below a second grade leval it might be a little chalenging.
This is a realy good book. It is very satisfying and entertaing. I realy think of it as one of the top five books i have read.
I recomend this book to every one. Especialy animal lovers. But if your below a second grade leval it might be a little chalenging.
May 17, 2011
Tom has a pet dog named MC Growl. He gets into an accident with a nuclear power plant and gets super hero powers. The dog manages to get into alot of trouble because he does not know his strength. The evil vet finds out the dog has super powers and tries to steal him. MC Growl find his way out by usuing his uper powers. It is a fantasy fiction.
January 5, 2013
Although not the longest, McGrowl is one of my favorite book series. McGrowl is a fun bionic canine hero with the ability to communicate telepathically with the boy who will become his new owner. McGrowl was seperated from his first owner and didn't come by his abilities naturally, but he uses them well.
March 21, 2008
doggies~!
Currently reading
February 26, 2009i think it's a very good book so far.
January 28, 2015
Quite silly, and enjoyable with the eight year old.
November 18, 2015
another great book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews