
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are constantly getting things wrong or struggling to meet expectations. It is perfect for the kid who marches to the beat of their own drum and feels frustrated by rigid rules. Pinkerton is a Great Dane who fails miserably at obedience school: when told to come, he jumps out the window; when told to fetch, he shreds the newspaper. However, his unique way of processing the world ends up saving the day during a household emergency. This story is a masterclass in reframing perceived weaknesses as potential strengths. Through Steven Kellogg's vibrant and chaotic illustrations, children see that while following directions is important, their individuality is not a defect. It provides a lighthearted way to discuss social expectations without making a child feel like they are the problem. It is a joyful, silly read that normalizes the feeling of being a bit out of sync with the rest of the pack.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book features a burglar breaking into a home, which is handled with slapstick humor rather than genuine peril. The resolution is hopeful and secular, focusing on the acceptance of Pinkerton's quirky nature.
A high-energy 6-year-old who feels like they are always in trouble at school for not 'sitting still' or 'listening correctly.' This child needs to see that their brain works differently and that is okay.
The book is safe to read cold. Parents should be prepared to discuss why Pinkerton’s mistakes are funny and how his 'wrong' answers ended up being helpful. A parent might reach for this after a difficult parent-teacher conference or a week where their child has struggled with following basic household instructions.
Younger children (4-5) will delight in the physical comedy and the dog's silly antics. Older children (7-8) will pick up on the irony that Pinkerton’s 'failure' as a student is exactly what makes him a successful protector.
Unlike many 'behave yourself' books, Pinkerton doesn't actually learn to behave in the traditional sense. It celebrates the fact that he remains himself, rather than forcing a narrative where he finally becomes 'normal.'
Pinkerton is a lovable but highly distracted Great Dane whose owner enrolls him in an intensive obedience school. Pinkerton fails every command with spectacular, chaotic energy. When a burglar enters the home, Pinkerton's unique interpretation of commands (specifically his tendency to fetch things by destroying them) accidentally foils the crime, proving that his unconventional behavior has its own value.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.