Buy it on: Amazon

School Library Journal:

“PreS-Gr 3—Based on a true story, this tale introduces readers to Mogie, a dog who becomes an inspiration to children in a Ronald McDonald House. Gage and his family move to the house after the boy becomes sick. There are rules to help the children get better, including "no puppies!" In a nearby town, a litter of puppies is born. Two of them become service dogs, three train for Search-and-Rescue, and four are groomed for the show ring. Mogie, however, fails at each of these endeavors because he breaks all the rules. This is why he does so well at the Ronald McDonald House. He walks right in and meets Gage. Slowly, Mogie helps him feel better. The boy eventually gets to go home, but there are more children there for Mogie to help. This heartwarming story will satisfy animal lovers and anyone who enjoys a happy ending. The illustrations, rendered in pencil and charcoal, and digitally, complement the story. Mogie is adorable; it's no wonder that he has a positive affect on Gage and the other children. The book makes good use of negative space, and page layouts vary to keep visual interest. This title would work well as a read-aloud and as an excellent choice for independent reading.” —Emily E. Lazio, The Smithtown Special Library District, NY

Booklist:

“Mogie, a labradoodle with a trademarked name who lives at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston, has his story fictionally told by a Newbery Honor Book author and a cartoon-style illustrator. Into a “very special house” wanders this “ball-chasing, tail-wagging, moon-howling pup” who, while seemingly not cut out for other canine careers, bonds instantly with Gage, a representative blond-haired boy at the house who has lost his “mojo.” The two become fast friends, and once Gage finally recovers from his unstated illness and moves out, Mogie turns his affection to Antonia, who has lost her “cha-cha-cha.” The appended author’s note tells of Appelt’s own bonding with Mogie and his role at the Ronald McDonald House, the mission of which is only vaguely alluded to except for on the flap copy. The lightly colored pencil, charcoal, and digital drawings are appropriately upbeat, and admirers of working animal stories and simplified issue books, as well as dog lovers in general, will appreciate Mogie’s gently told and optimistic tale. Grades K-2.” –Andrew Medlar