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Felix Powell, Boy Dog: A Funny Young Middle Grade Novel About a Boy Who Becomes a Talking Dog for Kids
In this funny, young middle-grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings by Newbery Medal winner and national bestseller Erin Entrada Kelly on almost every page.
Felix Powell can talk to animals. Just ask his dog, Mary Puppins! They talk all the time. When a mysterious, magical spell turns Felix into a dog, Mary Puppins is amazed. But not as much as Felix! Will his tail ever stop wagging? Will he ever see in full color again? How will he deal with Gumbo, the snobby neighborhood cat? Most importantly, will he ever return to being a regular boy?
With short, high-interest chapters and illustrations by the author on almost every page, Felix Powell, Boy Dog celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, imagination, and friendship. For readers of Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Meg Medina, and Megan McDonald, and all kids who love animals.
Felix Powell can talk to animals. Just ask his dog, Mary Puppins! They talk all the time. When a mysterious, magical spell turns Felix into a dog, Mary Puppins is amazed. But not as much as Felix! Will his tail ever stop wagging? Will he ever see in full color again? How will he deal with Gumbo, the snobby neighborhood cat? Most importantly, will he ever return to being a regular boy?
With short, high-interest chapters and illustrations by the author on almost every page, Felix Powell, Boy Dog celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, imagination, and friendship. For readers of Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Meg Medina, and Megan McDonald, and all kids who love animals.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published July 16, 2024
13 people are currently reading
2706 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 28, 2024
Erin really writes a young voice well.
April 3, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this beginning chapter book, we meet 8-year-old Felix, who is very excited to have $5 from his Nana to spend at the thrift store. He finds a well worn blanket about which he has a good feeling. His Nana questions him, but he is insistent. Since the blanket is only $1, he is also able to get a few other things. At home, with his dog Mary Puppins, Felix experiments with the blanket while awaiting the monthly "bean feast" (AKA- dessert for dinner) with his Nana. Everything is normal until he covers himself with the blanket... and turns into a dog! He is very impressed at how many different things he can smell, and glad to talk to Mary Puppins. The two have some adventures, and talk to Gumbo the Cat, but eventually Felix wants to return to being a boy. With Gumbo's help, Felix realizes that in order for the transformation to occur, an adult needs to say his name three times. Will Nan be able to save him?
Strengths: Illustrated in a style similar to this author's Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey, this is a fun and silly story that will encourage the imaginative use of old blankets! Felix's gentle adventure is a good chance for him to talk to his dog and understand the different skills our canine friends have, and has some gentle tension when he wants to return to being human, especially since having cake for dinner hangs in the balance. I'm all for any book that encourages thift store purchases, especially when the haul includes Amelia Bedelia books.
Weaknesses: While this is delightful, it is a bit young for middle school, so I will pass on purchase.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who are looking for more easy to read books like McDonald's Stink Moody, Brown's Flat Stanley, or Kirby's Captain Awesome.
In this beginning chapter book, we meet 8-year-old Felix, who is very excited to have $5 from his Nana to spend at the thrift store. He finds a well worn blanket about which he has a good feeling. His Nana questions him, but he is insistent. Since the blanket is only $1, he is also able to get a few other things. At home, with his dog Mary Puppins, Felix experiments with the blanket while awaiting the monthly "bean feast" (AKA- dessert for dinner) with his Nana. Everything is normal until he covers himself with the blanket... and turns into a dog! He is very impressed at how many different things he can smell, and glad to talk to Mary Puppins. The two have some adventures, and talk to Gumbo the Cat, but eventually Felix wants to return to being a boy. With Gumbo's help, Felix realizes that in order for the transformation to occur, an adult needs to say his name three times. Will Nan be able to save him?
Strengths: Illustrated in a style similar to this author's Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey, this is a fun and silly story that will encourage the imaginative use of old blankets! Felix's gentle adventure is a good chance for him to talk to his dog and understand the different skills our canine friends have, and has some gentle tension when he wants to return to being human, especially since having cake for dinner hangs in the balance. I'm all for any book that encourages thift store purchases, especially when the haul includes Amelia Bedelia books.
Weaknesses: While this is delightful, it is a bit young for middle school, so I will pass on purchase.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who are looking for more easy to read books like McDonald's Stink Moody, Brown's Flat Stanley, or Kirby's Captain Awesome.
July 12, 2024
Felix Powell is a young boy who finds the power of imagination and magic, courtesy of a blanket he purchases at a thrift store. After wrapping himself in the blanket, Felix finds himself turned into a dog. This leads him to a day of fun adventures with his own dog, Mary Puppins. While Felix enjoys experiencing life as a dog—the smells, the play, the interactions with Puppins—he wants to return to his boy form and to his beloved Nana. To find the trick to make this transformation possible, Felix will have to seek assistance from the neighborhood’s standoffish stray cat.
In this joyful celebration of imagination, Felix and Puppins are a fantastic duo! Their friendship shines through the pages of the book. With its fast pace, short chapters, and sweet illustrations, readers will stay hooked to the end to find out if Felix is successful in his quest to return to boy form. I know my elementary readers will love this one, especially the animal lovers and fans of the author’s Marisol Rainey series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.
In this joyful celebration of imagination, Felix and Puppins are a fantastic duo! Their friendship shines through the pages of the book. With its fast pace, short chapters, and sweet illustrations, readers will stay hooked to the end to find out if Felix is successful in his quest to return to boy form. I know my elementary readers will love this one, especially the animal lovers and fans of the author’s Marisol Rainey series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.
March 27, 2025
This just hits all the beats I love in (younger) middle grade. I liked it more than Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey, which focuses more on conquering a fear/being brave. Perfect for fans of Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume, this is a sweet story about a boy that gets turned into a dog and has to figure out how to turn back into a boy. Felix's voice is the most vivid and rewarding aspect of this book, with his imagination and love for his family, including his dog Mary Puppins and his nan. Secondary characters like Gumbo the cat are fun and add contrast. The best is the silly dog things Felix and Mary Puppins get up to: using their sense of smell to find specific things, having happy thoughts laying in the warm sun, and running/wagging nonstop. I loved the little animal facts throughout and encourage picking up the physical copy of the book to read them, but I thought the audiobook narrator also did great.
April 2, 2025
Children's animal fiction, first chapter book length. Felix Powell lives with his grandmother and his dog Puppins. When he gets a blanket at a thrift store, he is convinced that the blanket has some magic to it. But he is quite surprised that the blanket actually turns him into a dog! Puppins is glad to have his beloved boy able to understand him and immediately turns into a canine tour guide. Felix is excited to smell what dogs can smell and learn about why dogs steal socks or shoes. He even meets the stray cat that his Nan calls Madame Graytail, though she insists her name is actually Gumbo. But as dinnertime nears, Felix realizes that he very much wants to be human again. When the blanket trick doesn't work to return him to his true form, he needs help from his animal friends.
This is a cute story, though I do recommend the print book over the audio because the illustrations really do add a lot. The stakes were very low, there were lots of animal facts thrown in, and the ending hints at additional future books featuring Felix.
This is a cute story, though I do recommend the print book over the audio because the illustrations really do add a lot. The stakes were very low, there were lots of animal facts thrown in, and the ending hints at additional future books featuring Felix.
November 9, 2025
This was honestly a very fun book. I really liked how childlike the illustrations are. They look simple and full of personality. They look like something a kid might draw and that's what I love about them. And I liked how childlike the story was too.
I loved all the characters. Every single one had their own small moment, and they all felt real in a sweet way. The author also described all the dog activities Felix tried so well, like running, barking, sniffing everything, and trying to understand the world from a dog’s view. It did make me laugh but it also kind of think about how dogs see things.
Even though the story only happens in a few scenes, it was still really fun and full of energy. I also liked how the book was kind of educational too. Not only does it teach you fun facts about animals, but it also teaches you to appreciate simple things, like play and friendship, which I think is really important. And even though it’s meant for children, I’m 16 and I still loved it. That shows how good it is
Very easy to read.
I loved all the characters. Every single one had their own small moment, and they all felt real in a sweet way. The author also described all the dog activities Felix tried so well, like running, barking, sniffing everything, and trying to understand the world from a dog’s view. It did make me laugh but it also kind of think about how dogs see things.
Even though the story only happens in a few scenes, it was still really fun and full of energy. I also liked how the book was kind of educational too. Not only does it teach you fun facts about animals, but it also teaches you to appreciate simple things, like play and friendship, which I think is really important. And even though it’s meant for children, I’m 16 and I still loved it. That shows how good it is
Very easy to read.
November 20, 2024
Kelly cleverly weaves facts about animals, dogs in particular, that will engage young readers in this early chapter book illustrated by the Newbery-award winning author. Young Felix finds a magical blanket at the thrift shop and upon returning home he discovers it accidentally turns him into dog. He and his dog-friend Mary Puffins engage in neighborhood discussion with Gumbo, a feline friend with a superiority complex. When Gumbo ~~ on a dare to show off how she can fit through a small space in the wall ~~ finds herself locked in the garden shed, d0g-Felix and Mary Puffins must use their dog-powered superior senses to save the day. A cute story with everything kids love to read about (like cats, kids turning into dogs, and, well, dogs) for beginning readers. Adorable sketched illustrations enhance the story.
July 3, 2024
We learn so much (always) with this author's books, but with this one in particular we learn a lot of facts about animals and the possibility of what a day in a dog's life is like. It's very sensory, focusing on smell and sound, nature. Has a delightful ending. A day in the imagination of this little boy (who mysteriously is turned into a dog) and his dog, a wonderful day filled with possibilities. More than facts, it's a great lesson in kindness, creativity, friendship, dogs, and love for family as well. Have I mentioned dogs already? Marry Puppins is the best name. Very sweet fun illustrations.
September 11, 2024
Hurray for a new series from Erin Entrada Kelly. A boy named Felix discovers a magical blanket at at thrift store. Here are five things I loved about this one:
🐕Felix has a rescue dog named Mary Puppins. How cute is that?! I'm also intrigued by Gumbo, the cat aka Madame Graytail.
🐕This book has some fun facts about dogs and gives you a glimpse into life as a dog.
🐕The illustrations are adorable! Some pages are in graphic novel format.
😋Felix and his nana have a tradition called Bean Feast = dessert for dinner. Count me in!
📚There will be more Felix adventures -- and other animals. Works for me!
🐕Felix has a rescue dog named Mary Puppins. How cute is that?! I'm also intrigued by Gumbo, the cat aka Madame Graytail.
🐕This book has some fun facts about dogs and gives you a glimpse into life as a dog.
🐕The illustrations are adorable! Some pages are in graphic novel format.
😋Felix and his nana have a tradition called Bean Feast = dessert for dinner. Count me in!
📚There will be more Felix adventures -- and other animals. Works for me!
November 16, 2025
Felix, a bit of an unusual boy, thinks the best thing to buy at the thrift shop isn't a toy, but a blanket. The blanket must be special because when he and his dog, Puppin play with it, Felix becomes a dog! He and Puppin have a grand time doing dog things but when Felix realizes he'd rather be a boy, he seeks the help of Gumbo the cat.
The conversational writing style definitely draws the reader into this story which is sprinkled with interesting facts. A discussion of feelings and Felix's unconventional family situation (Felix explains his Nan adopted him because his mother couldn't care for him) add depth to this lighthearted adventure.
The conversational writing style definitely draws the reader into this story which is sprinkled with interesting facts. A discussion of feelings and Felix's unconventional family situation (Felix explains his Nan adopted him because his mother couldn't care for him) add depth to this lighthearted adventure.
March 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this DRC.
Felix Powell buys a magic blanket for one dollar at the thrift shop. But he doesn’t quite know what it does. While talking to his dog, Mary Puppins, they discover that he has turned into a dog boy! Puppins and Felix must work with Gumbo the Magnificent, a standoffish cat, in order to return him to boy form.
Felix and his wonderful imagination hold your attention on every page. Will he solve his dilemma or be stuck smelling butts forever. The great puppy pictures are an added bonus.
#FelixPowellBoyDog #NetGalley
Felix Powell buys a magic blanket for one dollar at the thrift shop. But he doesn’t quite know what it does. While talking to his dog, Mary Puppins, they discover that he has turned into a dog boy! Puppins and Felix must work with Gumbo the Magnificent, a standoffish cat, in order to return him to boy form.
Felix and his wonderful imagination hold your attention on every page. Will he solve his dilemma or be stuck smelling butts forever. The great puppy pictures are an added bonus.
#FelixPowellBoyDog #NetGalley
July 18, 2024
Early style chapter book with lots of pictures about a boy who turns into a dog after buying a magical blanket. He has some adventures with his pet dog. It was slightly confusing that the boy could understand his dog, they didn't really set up that detail in the beginning of the book, so I was abit taken off guard when he could understand the dog right at the start of the book. It was in the description, but I don't know how many kids are going to read that. Otherwise it was cute, and good for animal book lovers. Not alot of plot happens, but that's an early chapter book for you.
July 29, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this advanced ebook. What a great story that I can picture many of my k-3 teachers sharing with their students. Would make a great read aloud that not only captures the students attention with a the “what if” I turned into a dog story line, but also the animal facts, comic style elements, and connection to story writing that many teachers are probably saying to kids during writing workshop. This author had my heart with her middle geade novels, but these younger ones are equally engaging me!!
September 2, 2024
This sweet, fun, and fast-paced children's book came recommended by Book Page. Yes, I enjoy children's books. I think the protagonist, Felix, learns some lessons during the story of his short time of being a dog. The illustrations and mini-graphic stories are a great complement to the storytelling. I also appreciate that the author includes interesting tidbits about different animals' behaviors (including "The World's Sleepiest Animals"). These facts never come across as pedantic; they are both entertaining and in the service of propelling the story forward.
October 4, 2024
Felix Powell, Boy Dog is a clever beginner chapter book for ages 7-9.
The short chapters, illustrations throughout, and witty banter will engage readers ready for a step up from leveled readers. There is no great plot or thoughtful conclusions to be drawn. It's just a fun experience about becoming a dog for a short time.
Kelly does write about elements of story writing (setting, epilogue) and it's cleverly shown in the characters' dialogue. Overall, this book (surely to become a series) would be a fun addition to your library for any young animal lover.
J.G.
Children's Librarian
The short chapters, illustrations throughout, and witty banter will engage readers ready for a step up from leveled readers. There is no great plot or thoughtful conclusions to be drawn. It's just a fun experience about becoming a dog for a short time.
Kelly does write about elements of story writing (setting, epilogue) and it's cleverly shown in the characters' dialogue. Overall, this book (surely to become a series) would be a fun addition to your library for any young animal lover.
J.G.
Children's Librarian
July 4, 2024
Fans of Erin Entrada Kelly's Marisol Rainey series will love this new companion series about Felix Powell, a boy who turns into a dog with the magic of a thrift store blanket. Felix is empathetic, imaginative, fun-loving, and readers will love seeing the world through his eyes. Felix sees magic in an old, used blanket, true friendship in his dog, Mary Puppins, and a story in the antagonistic stray cat that comes to visit. I loved Felix's adventure in this first book of the series, and look forward to more of his story.
September 6, 2024
Fun story for 2nd through 4th graders about a boy who turns into a dog for a day through a magic blanket. As Felix experiences what it’s like to be a dog,the reader learns dog facts as well as facts about other animals. There’s also some good tips on story telling from Felix that he learned from his teacher. The epilogue leaves readers with the information that there will be more stories to come as Felix turns into other animals.
September 15, 2024
5 stars. Random thoughts:
Adorable back cover art with all the pupsters
Thrift shop book shelves have book titles of existing and made up books
Didn’t have to think about his tail, it just swish swish swished like it had a mind of its own
Interspersed animal facts and cute pencil drawings
If you’re going to be a dog, you’ll have to sniff a butt
Sweetfacing and nicethoughting
Lack of opposable thumbs get you every time
Great ending, looks like there will be more animal adventures
Adorable back cover art with all the pupsters
Thrift shop book shelves have book titles of existing and made up books
Didn’t have to think about his tail, it just swish swish swished like it had a mind of its own
Interspersed animal facts and cute pencil drawings
If you’re going to be a dog, you’ll have to sniff a butt
Sweetfacing and nicethoughting
Lack of opposable thumbs get you every time
Great ending, looks like there will be more animal adventures
July 29, 2024
4 stars for another beautifully written MG by Kelly. Felix's story is heartwarming, imaginative, and fun. It's not a story I expected, but it was creative and enjoyable.
This short book is a quick read, and it'd make a fun classroom or family read aloud for lower elementary aged kids.
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC. The audiobook is read perfectly.
This short book is a quick read, and it'd make a fun classroom or family read aloud for lower elementary aged kids.
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC. The audiobook is read perfectly.
September 12, 2024
Fanciful and clever enough to engage adult readers, such as myself, but an all-out delight for my nearly five-year-old son. Also, wonderful illustrations throughout that do not adhere to a single approach but instead, and surprisingly, change from illustrative to educational to comic booky to taxonomic. Overall a joy.
July 17, 2024
What a creative book! This book is so accessible based on length, format (text and images), font choice, and tone. I loved the imaginative component of the book. It's always wonderful to find a "happy" dog story. This is a great start to what appears to be a series.
September 24, 2024
“It's summer in Louisiana, but eight-year-old Felix insists on buying a threadbare blanket at the thrift store, certain it has a special quality. . . . Felix pops under the blanket as a human boy, but he emerges from the cover as a scruffy canine." [Booklist]
November 23, 2024
for my cousin/godsister/auntie’s first baby! (& empatt’s kid) — signed copy from liwanag lit fest; recorded the author doing story time too
excited to read more of felix powell!! & ofc i love this one. really enjoyed the animal fun facts and included drawings too
excited to read more of felix powell!! & ofc i love this one. really enjoyed the animal fun facts and included drawings too
March 16, 2025
Sprinkled with factual asides about the animal kingdom and some delightful line-drawing comic panels, dog lovers of all ages will be charmed by this first entry in a new series by Newbery award winning author Erin Entrada Kelly.
April 6, 2025
This is mostly the boy and the dog arguing with the cat. I didn’t like how they interacted and there was no adventure. My daughter thought there were cute parts and she enjoyed the drawings but that was about it.
July 21, 2024
simple but full of heart
July 22, 2024
Cute.
July 25, 2024
Cute enough, and nice and short. This is a good bridge book for readers who want something a little less formulaic but aren't quite ready for longer middle grade. Nice for animal lovers.
July 27, 2024
8 year old main character, some pictures but not essential to story, short chapters. I think kids would like this concept of talking to your pet. Fast paced and simple!
August 6, 2024
a cute story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews