The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy: The Move

The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy is a heartwarming story based on the Gent family’s dogs as well as their family. There are two author’s notes, one at the beginning and one at the end, explaining how the story came about, who the dogs and kids are, and what happened to all of them. Though it is a little sad what happened, this book and any more adventures of Pee Wee and Buddy are a sweet tribute to them. I will certainly keep an eye out for more books in this series.

The story starts with Pee Wee, a dachshund/corgi mix, as he searches for his forever home, and after a journey from Orlando to Destin, Florida, he finds it. There he meets his best friend, a boy who doesn’t feel well all the time but loves him no matter what and spoils him with treats. He also meets his best friend’s sister and her dog, a three-legged beagle/basset hound mix named Buddy, who lost his leg in a car accident. But that sure doesn’t stop him! And neither do the dogs who make fun of him for it. Together, the dogs go about protecting their yard from the dangerous snakes and mice, go for walks, play at dog parks with other dogs, and chase the annoying squirrels. Along the way, the dogs teach about kindness, compassion, acceptance, and living life to the fullest. All lessons are best taught by a dog. Or two.

The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy is written well, the story flowing easily and in an easy tone younger kids will have no trouble understanding, but also one that parents can enjoy, too.

There are many different themes touched on, all good lessons for kids, and sometimes adults, too. They aren’t delved deeply into, leaving plenty of room for kids to ask questions and for parents to give answers, but it’s still enough for kids to understand the message; be kind.

The art is adorable, tying into the story and helping tell it in pictures that are simple and full of life, plainly showing what the dogs are up to as well as how they feel in bright, bold colors. It was the first thing I noticed when I opened the book. The cover is in the same bold artwork, making it eye-catching.