MVP: Most Valuable Puppy

by Mike Greenberg, Stacy Steponate Greenberg, Bonnie Pang (Illustrator)

From New York Times bestselling author and ESPN Television personality Mike Greenberg, host of the new morning talk show Get Up , and his wife Stacy comes a heartwarming, silly tale about a dog and her human pal. And all the authors’ proceeds from this book are going to combat pediatric cancer!

Phoebe is a dog with a pink tail. She lives with her family—the Man in the Box, the Lady who Feeds Her, the Baby, and her sister the Girl with Curly Hair. Phoebe’s favorite time of day is when she and her sister go to the park and play. But today things are a different. Can Phoebe convince her best friend to try something new? And can she show her that sometimes it’s okay not to be perfect?

Phoebe and her sister learn that no matter what happens and no matter how many mistakes you make, your family will always be there for you.

In 2013, Mike and Stacy created the Heidi’s Angels Foundation to fund cancer research. The authors will donate their proceeds from this book to Heidi’s Angels, to help fight pediatric cancer through its support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Sports, Dogs, Friendship, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 8, 2018

Reviews

[Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

MVP: Most Valuable Puppy by Mike and Stacy Greenberg, tells the tale of one special dog. Phoebe is a white pup with one very unique feature. She has a pink tail!

She recalls the day that she met her best friend in the shelter: The Girl with the Curly Hair. Phoebe can't believe that she not only has a loving forever home, but a big sister and baby brother to play with. Her favorite thing to do is wait for her sister to come home from school. They always play a game of fetch and share a snack.

One day, Phoebe and her family go to the playground. She is so excited to play with her sister. A group of kids see the pair playing and ask if they would like to join them for a game of soccer. They're having a great time...until the game switches to football.

Running with all her might, Phoebe's sister attempts to catch the ball and makes a huge fumble. Can Phoebe help her find the courage to get back in the game?

I really enjoyed this story. There are multiple themes that I think both children and adults will relate to. I love that the story is told from Phoebe's perspective. This definitely captured my attention and I found I was even more invested in the story than if it would have been narrated by the little girl or her parents.

I also love that this book sheds light on the importance of animal adoption. Being a proud pet parent to five rescue dogs and three cats, this is definitely a cause that is close to my heart. The idea of finding your best friend in a local animal shelter or from a rescue group is truly inspiring.

A more hidden aspect that I love about the book is that Mike and Stacy Greenberg are donating 100% of the profits from the sale of this book to their Heidi's Angels program. The program helps to fight pediatric cancer through its support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This is also a cause that is near and dear to my heart as I lost both of my grandmothers to cancer and have a friend whose daughter is battling a cancerous brain tumor.

This is a wonderful read for animal lovers of all ages. Young and old alike will fall in love with Phoebe and cheer her on in her mission to be the Most Valuable Puppy.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe is a sweet dog who loves her family and love to play. One day, she goes with her 'sister', the girl of the family with the curly hair, to the park to try something new. While things are a little tough with odd games like football at first, 'sister' soon runs into a little trouble. Luckily, Phoebe is there to show her the way.

This is a relatively straight forward tale with a white, puffy, cute dog at the center of it. Phoebe loves all those things dogs usually do, and it's fun to get to know her. The way she address the human family members is humorous and sweet. Dog fans are sure to love her from the first moment.

The illustrations are bright and cheery. It's no problem to flip through them and enjoy the story without the words (something especially younger readers will enjoy).

As the text, it's big and easy to read, making a nice read-a-loud. The vocabulary is just right for the intended audience. While the book doesn't offer anything especially out of the ordinary in the way of plot, it's written well and leaves a sense of fun and warmth.

All in all, it's an enjoyable read for a good cause.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

MVP: Most Valuable Puppy by Mike Greenberg. PICTURE BOOK. Aladdin, 2018. $18. 9781481489317

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This tells the story of how Phoebe the dog met her family. Phoebe tells us how much she loves to play with her brother and sister and some of the things she does each day.

The book is a little corny, but the pictures are bright and have a comic look to them, which young readers will like. Many animal lovers will also relate to how much Phoebe is part of the family and the connection between the people and the dog.

Shay, High School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Robin Loughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book written by Sports Writer, Mike Greenberg, about an adopted dog with a pink tail! Her best friend is Phoebe, who she makes feel safe and comfortable when trying something new. Another cool thing about this book is that all proceeds go to Mike and Stacy Greenberg's foundation called Heidi's Angels, which helps fight pediatric cancer through its support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

[Hope Irvin Marston]

This over-sized picture book will delight very young children in families who have a dog. Phoebe, the lovable canine in the story, mimics the behavior of the baby of the family. The the young characters in the tale are of multiple races, and the sister wears big red glasses.

The bold artwork covers each page, with both single and double spreads. The text is large and minimal.

Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids with pets will like it. Love that the proceeds are going to cancer research charities.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am glad they are raising money for a good cause. The story itself wasn't very well developed. Making the book from the little dog's point of view was cute.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of a dog named phoebe who loves her family and playing sports!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the illustrations were fine, but the story was weak. I didn't find it to be particularly cohesive.

[Tina Economou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book. I love the perspective being from the dog, and I enjoyed the illustrations by Bonnie Pang. Not captivating enough for a classroom read.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute story about a dog that is adopted from a shelter told from the dog's point of view.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A puppy details how he is adopted and interacts with his new family especially his new sister who he helps make friends. cute. Preschool and up

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows Phoebe, the dog with a pink tail. She tells about her family, how they met, the fun they all have, and time spent with the girl with the curly hair.

[Renee MA · Rating 3 out of 5]

MVP is told through the dog's perspective & is a short read to talk about how stories can change depending on the narrator.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the HECK is with the pink tail?

[Crystal]

Copy via publisher.