children's beginning chapter book (funny fiction). ( )

Lulu is trying to earn money for something she wants to buy. Lulu decides walking dogs is the perfect answer. The dogs she ends up walking are a brute named Brutus, a puffball named Pookie, and a self-centered Cordelia. All three prove to be difficult for Lulu so Fleischman (an annoyingly nice kid) helps Lulu out. Together they make enough money to get Lulu a spot as the first kid to space.

The story of Lulu, an outspoken, brash girl. A brat, no doubt, but endearing. In this story Lulu learns the lesson that it's important to think about others, and be a good friend.

Adorably hysterical. ( )

Lulu Walks the Dogs by [a:Judith Viorst|3080|Judith Viorst|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1201030839p2/3080.jpg] illustrated by [a:Lane Smith|23573|Lane Smith|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1343416984p2/23573.jpg].

I picked this book up at the Blue Willow Bookstore in Houston, Texas the author was in town for a signing. Ms Viorst is best known for her book [b:Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day|46677|Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day|Judith Viorst|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405259744s/46677.jpg|1086647] published in 1972. There are three Lulu books in the series, but each can stand alone.

Lulu's parents will not budge, and they are not going just to buy her what she wants this time, so she must come up with a plan to earn the money she needs. She has several ideas but settles on a dog walking business. She can find three neighbors who are willing to pay her to walk their dogs each morning before school. We all know that like children dogs have a variety of personalities and walking three dogs is not as easy as it sounds. Enter Fleischman the goody, goody neighbor boy who knows how to do everything and everyone loves him. Lulu is having none of Fleischman's help at first but then she begins to give in just a little.

This book is an excellent learning tool for ingenuity, working hard, working together and friendship.

( )