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Haggis and Tank Unleashed #1
All Paws on Deck: A Branches Book
Meet Haggis and Tank--two dogs with BIG imaginations!
Pick a book. Grow a reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Tank is an outgoing Great Dane. Haggis is a grumpy Scottie dog. In the first book in the series, Haggis and Tank set sail as pirates. At first, Haggis doesn't see what Tank does--that an adventure awaits them with just a little imagination! But soon, Haggis joins in and the two friends go on a pirate adventure. They talk like pirates, swab the deck, and even search for buried treasure. This series is full of clever wordplay and homophones that make Haggis and Tank's adventures even more fun!
Pick a book. Grow a reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Tank is an outgoing Great Dane. Haggis is a grumpy Scottie dog. In the first book in the series, Haggis and Tank set sail as pirates. At first, Haggis doesn't see what Tank does--that an adventure awaits them with just a little imagination! But soon, Haggis joins in and the two friends go on a pirate adventure. They talk like pirates, swab the deck, and even search for buried treasure. This series is full of clever wordplay and homophones that make Haggis and Tank's adventures even more fun!
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2016
71 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Young
27 books56 followersJessica Young grew up in Ontario, Canada, and now she lives in Tennessee. When she's not making up stories, she loves sharing the creative process with kids. Her books include I'll Meet You in Your Dreams, the Fairylight Friends early reader series, the Haggis and Tank Unleashed early chapter book series, Play This Book, Pet This Book, A Wish is a Seed, My Blue is Happy, the Finley Flowers chapter book series, Spy Guy the Not-So-Secret Agent, and her forthcoming board book, Baby's Here! (2022).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 31, 2015
Haggis and Tank are two dogs with very active imaginations -- and they love to use those imaginations in order to go on pretend adventures. In this, the first of the series, they spend an afternoon as pirates searching for buried treasure. But the pirate life is hard when a lack of wind means their sailboat won't move, a sea creature lurks in the water, and the treasure's location is a secret.
This early chapter book is a good mix of colorful illustrations and active text, and the layout has an eye-catching graphic novel feel to it. Children who are fond of pretend play will likely see themselves in Haggis and Tank, and astute readers will notice plenty of amusing details. Because of the frequent use of homophones, figures of speech, and other colorful language, this could work well in a language arts lesson. There are also some interesting uses of measuring that could be fun to experiment with in a math class.
This early chapter book is a good mix of colorful illustrations and active text, and the layout has an eye-catching graphic novel feel to it. Children who are fond of pretend play will likely see themselves in Haggis and Tank, and astute readers will notice plenty of amusing details. Because of the frequent use of homophones, figures of speech, and other colorful language, this could work well in a language arts lesson. There are also some interesting uses of measuring that could be fun to experiment with in a math class.
March 26, 2016
This was a cute, entertaining and funny. I liked it a lot.
April 3, 2016
Clever and fun text, and the art is a perfect match. My sons and I can't wait to go on more adventures with these odd couple doggies!
April 18, 2019
Early chapter book series featuring a pair of brother and sister dogs; one is enthusiastic and the other is curmudgeonly. But both dogs have plenty of imagination. In the back of the book is a page devoted to questions/activities.
In this first title in the series, Haggis and Tank become pirates and set sail to find buried treasure. When they're tired and hungry, they realize their true treasure is at home.
In this first title in the series, Haggis and Tank become pirates and set sail to find buried treasure. When they're tired and hungry, they realize their true treasure is at home.
November 20, 2019
The word play using homophones, the cartoonish illustrations, and the funny interaction between two anthropomorphic dogs make this book a joy to read.
February 29, 2016
This early chapter book, part of a humorous new series, features two dogs and the adventures they manage to have, right in their own backyard. Tank is an avid reader, and after checking out a book on pirates, she suggests that she and Haggis have an adventure at sea. Haggis is initially reluctant, but eventually he really gets into the role of pirate. Before they know it, the two dogs are sailing the seven seas, digging for treasure, and playing with a sea monster, who ends up saving the grumpy Haggis's life. Although much of the storyline is delightful and mimics the play of children, the payoff for readers comes near the story's conclusion when the true identity of that sea serpent is revealed. Most notably, Tank never loses her enthusiastic disposition while Haggis is grouchy pretty much the entire time, even growing annoyed at the noisiness of Tank's squeak toy. Most readers will either be able to identify with one of the two dogs or certainly will know someone who behaves just like them. Additionally, the colorful illustrations take readers on the same adventure as these two canines.
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March 24, 2016When either of you can make the other laugh or the two of you are laughing together or even better if you can make those around you laugh, this is simply the best. With the release of two books in a brand new series classic comedy teams of William Abbott and Lou Costello, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, George Burns and Grace Allen, Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance (Ethel) and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman are going to have to relinquish a portion of the limelight to the dog duo found in Haggis And Tank Unleashed #1: All Paws on Deck (Scholastic, January 5, 2016) and Haggis And Tank Unleashed #2: Digging for Dinos (Scholastic, February 23, 2016). Author Jessica Young and illustrator James Burks deliver to readers non-stop action packed with hilarity.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
May 25, 2016
All Paws on Deck by Jessica Young is the first book in the "Haggis and Tank Unleashed" series. After reading a book about pirates, Tank decides that she and Haggis should sail the seas. The only problem is that they have no boat and no sea. This turns out to be a problem that is easily solved with a wagon, some creativity and a lot of imagination. This funny adventure is full of witty wordplay that parents and kids will enjoy. Kids will love the colorful illustrations and word bubbles. Kids who are just beginning to read chapter books and parents who are looking for a read-aloud for their preschooler will enjoy this book.
February 9, 2016
Hagis and Tank are dogs that like to have adventures together. In this book, they pretend to be pirates. The pictures are delightful and the setup is clever - half graphic novel/half standard chapter book. Throughout this book various homonyms are highlighted, such as: "eye", "I", and "aye". Unfortunately the story itself is rather boring and doesn't match the illustrations. Could be useful for students who need help with grammar and language art skills.
January 23, 2016
I LOVED THIS BOOK! This might tie it up with the charming Owl Diaries as my favorite of all of the series in the Scholastic Branches group of books. (KNOT? NOT!)
And I get to the end and BAM! There is the name James Burks. Of COURSE! That's probably why I loved it. =)
Can't wait for #2 in the series due on in February!
And I get to the end and BAM! There is the name James Burks. Of COURSE! That's probably why I loved it. =)
Can't wait for #2 in the series due on in February!
February 5, 2016
This is a truly great "bridges" book. My second grader who is still struggling to transition into the chapter book absolutely loved this book. He actually couldn't put it down. The illustrations are lovely, and the story is adorable and full of imagination promoting ideas. In this case, he totally went in his room and made a pirate ship like the dogs in this story.
March 14, 2016
The boys thought this was so funny!
February 27, 2016
great for the early reader
March 23, 2016
Daniel says these dogs are like his dogs and that is why he loved this book.
April 5, 2016
The word play was sea worthy ("You look a little pale." and "I think I need a pail.") and Haggis and Tank are terrific scallywags!
February 14, 2019
Abbott and Costello as Dogs
The book reminded me of a vaudeville act, replete with quid pro quo. The one liners made my daughter laugh.
The book reminded me of a vaudeville act, replete with quid pro quo. The one liners made my daughter laugh.
April 19, 2019
A fun beginning chapter book that's almost a graphic novel, with lots of excellent wordplay and vibrant, animated illustrations.
April 8, 2016
Two dogs with tons of imagination and fun - what more could you want?
August 30, 2019
Oh my goodness I just binged all 3 volumes of “Haggis and Tank Unleashed” and adored each and every one! I wish that there were more!
What first attracted me to these children’s “graphic novels” was reading “Bird And Squirrel” that is illustrated by James Burks as well. I loved that book so much I was really hoping to find more books with other characters who had a friendship much like theirs; I found that in Haggis And Tank!
Jessica Young has the ability to take children’s novels to a whole another level. She creates an environment that is not only educational for our children, but easy to follow, adventurous stories that keep you flipping the pages so curious as to what happens next for these two! She even adds quite a bit of humor and had me at 33 years old laughing out loud!
These books are really for all ages above second grade and are super fun! Cannot recommend enough, especially as bedtime stories! You don’t have to read them in order, they are definitely stand alone, but I would recommend it.
“All Paws on Deck” was my favorite, where the two pups hop aboard “The Golden Biscuit” ship and set out to sea to find hidden treasure , battle a sea serpent, learn to tie knots and so much more...
What first attracted me to these children’s “graphic novels” was reading “Bird And Squirrel” that is illustrated by James Burks as well. I loved that book so much I was really hoping to find more books with other characters who had a friendship much like theirs; I found that in Haggis And Tank!
Jessica Young has the ability to take children’s novels to a whole another level. She creates an environment that is not only educational for our children, but easy to follow, adventurous stories that keep you flipping the pages so curious as to what happens next for these two! She even adds quite a bit of humor and had me at 33 years old laughing out loud!
These books are really for all ages above second grade and are super fun! Cannot recommend enough, especially as bedtime stories! You don’t have to read them in order, they are definitely stand alone, but I would recommend it.
“All Paws on Deck” was my favorite, where the two pups hop aboard “The Golden Biscuit” ship and set out to sea to find hidden treasure , battle a sea serpent, learn to tie knots and so much more...
August 7, 2025
All Paws on Deck (A Haggis and Tank Unleashed Book) by Jessica Young and illustrated by James Burks.
Published 2016 by Scholastic Inc.
This is an transitional reader book that is a fiction and fantasy book. It is about two dogs that can talk and go on an imaginary adventure. They meet a sea monster and do things that are not possible in real life.
This is a book about two dogs, Haggis and Tank. Haggis and Tank are friends and make take a wagon and create a makeshift sale for the wagon to create a pretend boat. The two dogs use their imagination to try to find a pirate treasure with their newly created ship and sail off to an island with a treasure map. The dogs don’t find any treasure, but on their way home run into a sea monster that ends up being friendlier than they thought. The two friends return home and and glad to have had such an entertaining adventure.
Recommended grade level is 1-3 Lexile level is 480L
Reviews/Awards Booklist, 12/15/15, Horn Book Guide, 10/01/16, Kirkus Reviews, 11/01/15, School Library Connection, 04/01/16, School Library Journal, 01/01/16,
Published 2016 by Scholastic Inc.
This is an transitional reader book that is a fiction and fantasy book. It is about two dogs that can talk and go on an imaginary adventure. They meet a sea monster and do things that are not possible in real life.
This is a book about two dogs, Haggis and Tank. Haggis and Tank are friends and make take a wagon and create a makeshift sale for the wagon to create a pretend boat. The two dogs use their imagination to try to find a pirate treasure with their newly created ship and sail off to an island with a treasure map. The dogs don’t find any treasure, but on their way home run into a sea monster that ends up being friendlier than they thought. The two friends return home and and glad to have had such an entertaining adventure.
Recommended grade level is 1-3 Lexile level is 480L
Reviews/Awards Booklist, 12/15/15, Horn Book Guide, 10/01/16, Kirkus Reviews, 11/01/15, School Library Connection, 04/01/16, School Library Journal, 01/01/16,
January 21, 2023
This story was hilarious, cute, and sweet! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and introduce it to students. Haggis and Tank have such different personalities and yet are clearly good friends. I loved their friendship. That they used their imagination to “go on an adventure” and create their own adventure.
The use of homophones was excellent as well! It reminded me of the humorous twists of Amelia Bedelia. Except the characters knew what they were saying when they used the homophones. I feel like you could use the use of the homophones to work on phonics by showing how the same sound could be spelled differently. It was just super fun to read!
The use of homophones was excellent as well! It reminded me of the humorous twists of Amelia Bedelia. Except the characters knew what they were saying when they used the homophones. I feel like you could use the use of the homophones to work on phonics by showing how the same sound could be spelled differently. It was just super fun to read!
May 4, 2019
For the pirate loving kid that wants a funny fast read full of illustrations. This series, which does not need to be read in any order, is perfect for the kid who is just starting to get the hang of reading. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this series, but boys will gravitate to it more.
If your child is a bit more resilient to read, then try reading the book with your child. Alternate pages or chapters with you reading and your child then reading. Have fun with it. There is humor in this series that is to be enjoyed.
If your child is a bit more resilient to read, then try reading the book with your child. Alternate pages or chapters with you reading and your child then reading. Have fun with it. There is humor in this series that is to be enjoyed.
June 27, 2019
The Scholastic Branches line is great for new or struggling readers! They ease readers into the chapter book format but keep a lot of the picture book elements that keep reluctant readers interested.
This new series Haggis and Tank follows that same format. In All Paws on Deck, the story is also a vehicle to teach about homophones (sail/sale) in a fun and entertaining way. The author also had fun with other words and phrases (desert/dessert) that will also entertain but educate. Great job!
Recommended for readers at about grade 1-4 level.
This new series Haggis and Tank follows that same format. In All Paws on Deck, the story is also a vehicle to teach about homophones (sail/sale) in a fun and entertaining way. The author also had fun with other words and phrases (desert/dessert) that will also entertain but educate. Great job!
Recommended for readers at about grade 1-4 level.
September 6, 2024
This was a fun early chapter book for those who are transitioning from beginning readers to chapter books. The story is a mix of graphic novel and traditional novel format, lots of pictures and speech bubbles to keep it visually interesting.
The story is fun and relatable to kids who love to play imagination and since the story is following 2 dogs who are participating in Pretend Play this would be a great book for kids who enjoy Bluey. There are lots of fun puns and humor surrounding the fact that English can be a very confusing language "I, aye, aye" etc.
The story is fun and relatable to kids who love to play imagination and since the story is following 2 dogs who are participating in Pretend Play this would be a great book for kids who enjoy Bluey. There are lots of fun puns and humor surrounding the fact that English can be a very confusing language "I, aye, aye" etc.
October 26, 2018
Haggis and Tank are two neighbourhood dogs who have wild imaginations. This time, it’s a swashbuckling journey on the high seas! They are off to fight sea monsters and find buried treasures. However, will they be able to make it home in time for dinner or are they doomed to sail aimlessly forever?
Recommended for grades 2-4. Lexile Level: 480
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Recommended for grades 2-4. Lexile Level: 480
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
June 22, 2017
The colorful illustrations and graphic novel-like format will attract young readers and reluctant readers. The play on words may be difficult for those whose first language is not English. This would be a great book for teaching and discussing homophones. I also liked the discussion questions at the end.
April 25, 2018
Quick and engaging beginning chapter book that my first grade students enjoyed. The text is rich in homophones, providing an excellent tool for my students who are beginning readers and writers. It also provided several laughs, especially the squeakity-squeaks. It is a good first chapter book for students who like dogs, enjoy pictures/comics, and are building stamina.
May 21, 2018
One of the fun books from Scholastics that's partially text but mostly comic / graphic novel. Lots of colour pictures and speech bubbles - something Miss 3 is very enthusiastic about at the moment.
I like that at the end the sea monster turns out to be their human girl pulling them home on their pirate ship / wagon!
I like that at the end the sea monster turns out to be their human girl pulling them home on their pirate ship / wagon!
June 30, 2018
Haggis is bored; Tank has an idea. Let's turn our wagon into a pirate ship! So, Haggis becomes Captain Scurvy and Tank becomes Bootleg Bonny and together they sail the seas in search of treasure.
Another one in the Branches series. Lots of fun word play and homophone confusion will have young readers giggling.
Another one in the Branches series. Lots of fun word play and homophone confusion will have young readers giggling.
March 15, 2021
I read this to my five-year-old in one sitting. After four chapters he wanted to take a break, but when he saw the sea monster, he said, "No, keep reading!"
Even though he didn't catch all the word play, it was a fun read and the story and pictures made him laugh.
When I asked him if he would give it 5 stars, he said, "No, 54!" and then, "No, 10,000!"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews