Tricky

by Kari Rust

The Duke and his dog, Tricky, spend their days making trouble. They cheat, steal, and play cruel-hearted pranks on their neighbors, just for fun. But one day, somebody new comes to town and gives Tricky a treat that melts his mischievous heart -- and sets him thinking about the effect his actions have on others.
Inspired to change his ways, Tricky decides to set things right the only way he knows how... with tricks! Tricky's ploy might just lead The Duke to reconsider his ways. Stylized cartoon-inspired art adds a distinctive mood and humor to this fun debut picture book about empathy, revenge, and reform.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Childrens, Canada, Friendship, Animals, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2017

About the author

Before she started making picture books, Kari worked in the animation industry as an animator, storyboard artist, layout artist and designer. She has also taught drawing and animation in colleges, and to children at art centres. Kari met her husband, Jeff, when they were both studying animation at Emily Carr. Now they have two kids and live in rainy Vancouver, Canada. In addition to illustrating and animating, Kari mentors students at Vancouver Film School.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricky and his human companion are not only thieves, they play nasty tricks just for the fun of it. But one day, Tricky sees the error of his ways, and sets about turning the tables on his master.

This is a very sweet story, and I loved the author's illustrations.

[Jennifer (JenIsNotaBookSnob) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun one, but, you might awaken a little prankster if your child is already so inclined. Tricky is a dog who lives with a man called "The Duke" and together they play horrible tricks on people. One day someone new moves to town and suddenly Tricky feels guilty for the role he plays in the pranks and starts tricking the Duke. That leads to my favorite illustrations in the book.

This is one of those humorous books that feature a rotten character who might learn to be better by the end of the book.

[Magy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in town knows the Duke and Tricky. They cheat and steal. They are greedy and mean. They play unkind jokes on everyone in town.

When a new baker, Ms. Paisley, moves to town, she doesn't know to be wary of the two, so she gives Tricky a friendly pet and a special treat. Tricky has never known such kindness and it plants a happy feeling deep inside of him. That feeling grows and Tricky decides to change his ways. Tricky wants to make things right, but how can he when he only knows tricks?

With great illustrations and a delightful story of tricks, revenge, and change of hearts, Tricky will be an instant favorite!

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

[Sarahi Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a Duke and his dog, Tricky was a very entertaining story. My kids enjoyed the little pranks Tricky did but they knew it was wrong (they kept pointing it out). It was nice to see the turning point of Tricky. My kids notice how he seemed happier and kept asking about Tricky.
    It was a cute story and the illustration made it even better! I would recommend this story for any kids. It does make you reflect on how you treat people and it helps kids understand right from wrong. I love reading children's books with morality.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the favorite of the books I read to Alena this morning. I really like the illustrations and the message. Positive change is possible. I would like to read more by this author.

[Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great art and really cute character design and development with a sweet message.

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book – Tricky
Author – Kari Rust
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 40
Cover – Gorgeous!
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – Comic, Children's Fiction


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **


Format FYI:
First off, I have to say that the Kindle version didn't work for me. It left me with text outside of boxes, in places that didn't make sense, and whole images blacked out. I had to download the acsm version and read it on my laptop, which was uncomfortable and inconvenient, but the simplest way to do it. Lucky, I wasn't postponed from downloading this second version by delayed reading, but I do have to admit, I don't normally get to a book this quickly, so I would have been unable to write a proper review if the book had been archived by the time I realised I needed a different version.

Onto the story:
This is a really cute concept that will really resonate with kids. The fact that it's Tricky the dog who learns to change first, which inspires the Duke to do the same, is a really great idea. It shows that not only can old dogs learn new tricks, but also that people can change with the right incentive, the right motivation and by seeing the consequences of what they're doing wrong. Though the 'tricks' aren't dangerous or physically hurt anyone, the lesson is there, shown through beautiful illustrations and very emotive images that really spark a light in the heart.

A brilliant story for kids and adults alike.

[BookishOwlette · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Line Review: Can you teach an old dog new tricks? With this book you can.

Tricky is a very well written and entertaining story. This tale is rich with lessons. Namely, teaching us that even the worst people aren't really that bad.

Even though the words used in this tale are light and simple. There are clear hidden messages that force you to think things through a different light. Not to mention, the retro styled illustration is simply wonderful! If you look closely enough, the details in those drawings add more value and depth to the story.

This book makes me wonder, maybe Tricky was tricked into this life? After all, he's only a dog who was taught to live a certain way. But the moment he was shown a different, kinder path, he took it without hesitation. And isn't that just a representation of all of us? This just enforces the lesson: With kindness and opportunity, People can change for the better. So be kind.

I love this story, and I would undoubtedly recommend it! ....https://bookishowlette.wordpress.com/

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

How delightful! Tricky and his owner The Duke like to play cruel jokes on the people in their town until one day, after a newcomer is kind to him, Tricky realizes that being nice feels better than being mean. This is a really sweet story with lovely illustrations. I love the Duke's classic, mustache-twirling-villain look and who doesn't love a story where the bad guys heart is won over with kindness?
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricky and the Duke, his human, spend their days playing out dastardly deeds on the townsfolk and go home at night to laugh and scoff at their good efforts. They trip people, steal, and cheat. Accomplices together they sleep well at night and awake the next day to engage in even more mean pranks.

Mrs. Paisley, the new baker in town, is their next target. She is unaware of their buffoonery so she is perfect for their next schtick. The Duke uses all his charm and manners to warmly welcome her to town while Tricky steals several loaves of bread right behind her back. Unaware of their past thievery, Mrs. Paisley one day kindly offers Tricky a treat. This generous and kind gesture starts Tricky to question his whole ciminal lifestyle. No one has ever been kindhearted to him before and it moves his heart. He then discovers that what he and the Duke are up to is dead WRONG!

How is a dog to get that message across to his mean-spirited owner? He needs to show him that what they are involved in can no longer be tolerated? Well Tricky is very clever and he makes his point by playing tricks on the Duke himself. The Duke finally catches Tricky red-handed and gets very, very angry. On the miserable, rainy night that Tricky is exposed the Duke kicks him out of the house for his punishment. Where could he possibly go for shelter, comfort and acceptance? Any ideas?

The Duke, realizing his pet is gone forever and he tries to execute his dirty tricks all on his own but fails miserably. It's no fun alone and utterly pointless without his faithful canine companion-in-crime. Can he find redemption and change his ways finally leading to a respectable and honourable life like Tricky is now living? Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks?

The illustrations are engaging and add richness to the tale. This book would be a great addition to a classroom or school library and a perfect catalyst to spark conversations on values and virtues. I highly recommend this book.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricky by Kari Rust is a picturebook about the Duke and his dog, Tricky. It is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2017. This pair spend their days making trouble. They cheat, steal, and play pranks on their neighbors, just for fun. But one day, somebody new comes to town and gives Tricky a treat that melts his mischievous heart, and sets him thinking about the effect his actions have on others. Inspired to change his ways, Tricky decides to set things right the only way he knows how with tricks! Tricky’s ploy might just lead The Duke to reconsider his ways.

Tricky is a great picturebook that shows Tricky and his master playing tricks on just about everyone. When someone shows Tricky kindness he starts to question what he has been doing. I like that The Duke shows that while he likes to play tricks he does not respond well to being on the other side, and Tricky learns not to play mean tricks of others. My favorite thing about this book is that it is the act of someone else being kind, rather than a harsh consequence, that helps Tricky see the error of his ways. Readers, even the youngest, will see that sometimes offering a simple kindness to others can make a big difference. They also get to see that more often than not, people that are being unkind can change or will often move on when things change in their lives. The stylized artwork and bold colors make the story pop off the page and feel a little more alive to the audience. I greatly enjoyed the read, and think it is both a fun read and one with a great message to share.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricky by Kari Rust is about Tricky,a dog, and the Duke, his human. In the beginning of the book they spend their days playing tricks on the townsfolk by tripping people, stealing, and cheating. Together they sleep well at night and awake the next day to do tricks on the townspeople again. 

Mrs. Paisley, is unaware of their behavior so she is perfect for their next trick. The Duke uses his charm to warmly welcome Mrs. Paisley to town while Tricky steals several loaves of bread behind her back. Unaware of their past thievery, Mrs. Paisley gives  Tricky a treat, which harms his heart. He then realizes his behavior with the Duke is wrong. 

Tricky wanted to show the Duke that what they were doing is wrong. He shows this by playing tricks on the Duke. The Duke eventually catches on and kicks Tricky out on a night which was rainy. Tricky goes to the bakery to protect it and Mrs. Paisley takes him in and loves him. The Duke realizes how much he misses Tricky when he tries to do the tricks by himself but they were not successful and leaving town. 

The illustrations are engaging and add to the tale. This book would be a great addition to a classroom library. The book will allow for conversations on values and virtues. I highly recommend this book.

I give this book 5/5 stars

I received this book from Owlkids Books and Owlkids via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke Loves to play tricks on everyone and has taught his dog, Tricky to help him. The book calls them tricks, but many of the things they do are just plain mean. When a new baker arrives in town, the Duke continues his tricks but something changes. Mrs. Paisley gives Tricky a treat and a scratch that melts his heart (kind of like the grinch). He realizes that what they are doing is wrong and wants the Duke to stop. He plays tricks and pranks on the Duke until he is kicked out of the house. The old premise of being able to dish it out but not being able to take it fits here. Tricky changes his ways and finds a new home. Once he is alone, the Duke realizes that playing tricks is no fun if you are doing it yourself and changes his ways as well.

This story would make a great mentor text for different literacy skills. It can be used to inference, predict, theme or lesson etc. It can also be used in an art lesson teaching detail. This book could also be used when teaching about bullying, putting yourself in someone else's shoes (Golden Rule) and trying to change bad behaviours or habits. I loved the illustrations. They reminded me of old time cartoons with Snidley Whiplash. A great book for schools, classroom and home libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke and Tricky are good at being bad. They cheat and trick everyone in town until one day, Tricky is treated, literally, and starts to rethink his old tricky ways. Now, I can just imagine some of my students will look quite disturbed at some of the meanness the Duke and Tricky get up to in the first part of the story, but as the story moves along, I suspect that Tricky's change of heart and subsequent change of circumstances, may help to illustrate the Golden Rule very nicely.

This story will work wonderfully with lessons on inference, idioms, and possibly on main idea and theme. Have students examine the pictures closely--the text does not always explicitly tell the reader what the tricks are, but observant readers can see a lot of detail. There are some wonderful opportunities for deeper discussion as well. Does the Duke also have a change of heart? How can you tell? Is there evidence? In the text? In the illustrations? I am looking forward to being able to share this one with my students.

Review based on ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricky is a dog that is often up to no good, mostly because of his dubious owner named The Duke. Whether tripping or tricking or stealing or just causing mischief, The Duke and Tricky are a team that has few scruples and revels in their misdeeds. All that begins to turn when Tricky meets a new baker in town who offers him some kindness and a treat. Filled with warmth and a growing conscience, “Tricky realized that what they were doing was WRONG.” But, is it too late for this old dog to learn a new trick? And, how will he get The Duke to see the error of their ways? Kari Rust’s debut picture book is full of engaging, humorous characters and well designed drawings that allow the reader to empathize and emote as the story unfolds. The text, and the moral lesson, are simple yet effective, and hopefully Tricky and The Duke will both mend their ways.

THOUGHTS: The hand drawn, computer colored illustrations would pair well with The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat. Plus, the details in the pictures jump out more and more with repeated viewing. This short text would also be great for a lesson on point of view or caricature or inferencing.

[Beleden V · Rating 4 out of 5]

J: Another strong contender for this year's Blue Spruce award. I actually really enjoyed the story centred on unlikeable characters. It's a rare thing to see in kids' books. And, it's a beautiful thing to see Tricky's change of heart in the face of someone's kindness. This book could be an excellent jumping off point to talk about being kind to all and the way kindness can change people.

There was a bit of an odd jump in this story though. Once Tricky has left the Duke, and the Duke realizes that tricking people in town is not as fun on his own, he packs his bags and leaves town. Huh? Why? And suddenly he is given a little unexplained redemption. How? Was someone kind to him? That ending fell a little flat for me. I haven't managed to read the reaction from the classes I've been reading it to, so maybe this unexpected ending will make more sense with more reading and more audiences.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke and his dog Tricky are notorious pranksters and thieves. Together they have a grand time, but that changes with an act of kindness by the new baker in town. Tricky quickly realizes he likes Ms. Paisley, so much so, that when the Duke is mean to her, Tricky decides to give him a taste of his own medicine. Because of his change of heart, the large brown dog eventually finds himself invited into the home of the kind baker. The Duke also learns some important lessons. Rust's style is delightfully cartoonish, with a skinny suited, mustached antagonist, and shot composition, lighting, and colour that emphasize the tone. Her background as an animator clearly shows. The narrator describes Tricky's and the Duke's thoughts as needed, and leaves readers with the message that anyone can turn over a new leaf. Rust's debut picture book shows she has a bright career in this medium.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Duke and his dog, Tricky, play tricks on everyone all day long. Both of them have an incredible amount of fun doing so until one day when the new baker they played a trick on was kind to Tricky. Then he realized that what they had been doing was wrong. Tricky then started playing tricks on the Duke instead of to everyone else. The Duke hated this! He promptly shoved Tricky outside in the cold, wet rain. Tricky went back to the only place he had been treated well--the bakery. After watching the baker all day long, he followed her home. She made an excellent new owner for him. Eventually, the Duke learned his lesson and stopped tricking other people as well.

Good for older kid and preschool storytimes.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricky the dog belongs to The Duke, a dishonest scoundrel who plays tricks on everyone to get what he wants. When a new baker takes over the bakery The Duke and Tricky head over to get their breakfast the usual way: steal it. The new baker, Ms. Paisley treats Tricky kindly with a treat. Soon Tricky starts to feel bad about the awful, dishonest deeds he does with The Duke. Eventually he starts to play tricks on The Duke himself. When the Duke figures out what he's been doing, he kicks Tricky out of the house. Ms. Paisley finds Tricky outside the bakery the next morning. He spends the day with her and goes home with her in the evening. He has found a new home. The Duke leaves town when he realizes his tricks don't work without Tricky.

[Alida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved it. That Tricky is sure one darn handsome and smart doggie. Then again, I believe that doggies (and all other "animals") are way smarter than humans.

This book met all of my requirements for 5 stars:
1. It's a book about a dog (who is smarter than humans).
2. With truly beautiful illustrations (all those expressions on Tricky's face are just truly perfect).
3. That teaches a moral lesson in a quite brilliant AND funny manner.
4. With a kind soul (who bakes!)
5. And made me want to buy it for my own collection (my highest praise).

I wonder ... if Ms. Rust could be persuaded to start a series with Tricky. That would be lovely .... hint, hint, hint.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricky is a fun story about how Tricky, a mischievous dog, realizes his tricks are not kind. Tricky and the Duke love playing tricks on the local townspeople. The illustrations are engaging and similar to a movie storyboard. The illustrations played an important part in conveying the details of the story. When the baker shows Tricky an act of kindness, Tricky realizes he no longer wants to play mean tricks on people. The story ends with Tricky choosing to live with the kind baker, and the Duke begins to change his ways as well. I liked the message of how one small act of kindness can change a person's, or a dog's, heart.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks? Tricky and his master Duke seem to be well known, if not well liked, by the people in their town. They spend all day trying to trick, take advantage of and aggravate others. What will happen when the new baker shows Tricky kindness for the first time? This is a great story showing that sometimes a leopard can change his spots. The illustrations are well done and seem an homage to a different era.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up but it turned out to be delightful. (I often do not read the jacket blurbs when I pick up a picture book). I could see this story going in so many different directions ( the gentleman falls for the lovely baker and changes his ways, for example) but it is the dog who realizes right from wrong and strives to be the better individual. The illustrations really suited the story (the moustache is the perfect touch!) and so much is conveyed via the eyes. I'm looking forward to future books by Kari Rust.

[Kat Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I plucked this little gem off the library shelf on a whim - the cover art aesthetic was a tad underwhelming at first glance (and doesn't do the 40 pages that follow justice!) but the content of Rust's illustration caught my eye. Much to my surprise, the book's goodness came from its message (why yes, you can teach a dog new tricks!). It also managed to create quite the protagonist duo in Tricky and his owner, The Duke - which is a hard task in the land of picture books. Equally enjoyable for dog lovers as well as for parents that may be trying to hammer home the practice of kindness.

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man and his dog are tricksters - they thieve and con and play mean pranks on the townspeople. But one day, one of the new townspeople is kind to the dog and he realizes what they are doing is mean and wrong. This is such a sweet story about a dog finding a loving companion with a moral of how people can change.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this reminded me of watching classic cartoons with those old-time, mustache-twirling villains. Duke and his dog, Tricky, are infamous in their town for playing nasty jokes on everyone just because they can. Duke knows all the lowdown tricks, and he's taught every one of them to Tricky.

But when a new person moves into town and shows kindness to Tricky, he suddenly realizes that their tricks are WRONG. Tricky decides to learn some new tricks. Told with a charming twist of redemption, there's a possibility of hope for old dogs and villains.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricky the dog is taught to do bad tricks on people by his owner, a trickster. He plays tricks on everyone. One day they meet the new baker and she is nice and gives Tricky a treat. He likes it. Then his owner plays a mean trick on her and it makes Tricky angry. He starts playing tricks on the trickster. Trickster throws him out. Tricky goes to the baker and she takes him in. Trickster moves away and hopefully has changed his ways.

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

My two year old was really into this one when we got it out of the library. It's an interesting book - it felt like a book version of a short movie you'd see before a kid's film. Not sure if that's because of the illustration style or something else. It's a good lesson but a bit moralizing if you're not into that. Nice way of showing that a person (or dog) does bad things, it doesn't mean they are BAD. It might mean that they are lacking people who show them love and compassion in their lives.