Argo, You Lucky Dog

Smith, Maggie

ISBN 10: 0688120539 ISBN 13: 9780688120535

Publisher: Lothrop Lee & Shepard, 1994

Synopsis

While his human owners are away, Argo the dog finds himself the winner of seventeen ten-pound bags of money in the lottery, with five days home alone during which he can make his every dream come true.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

Argo, a white dog with black ears and tail, brings home a ticket he sees on the sidewalk; while his owners are away on a business trip, he discovers that it's a winner. "Argo's fortune arrived in seventeen ten-pound sacks," writes Smith ( There's a Witch Under the Stairs ), while a droll illustration shows Argo burying the green moneybags (readers can indeed count 17 sacks and, consequently, 17 mounds of dirt in Argo's yard). The next morning, concerned about the unsightly holes, Argo calls for some lawn work (complete with dog-shaped topiary and a fire-hydrant fountain); when the house pales by comparison, Argo has it repainted and even commissions a bone-shaped pool. Savvy readers will want to keep an eye on the refurbishers; the same quartet arrives dressed as Felicia's Lawns & Landscaping, Felicia's Painting & Decorating, etc., and every time these Felicia folk visit, they leave with four hefty bags of loot. Meanwhile, the main spotlight shines on Argo's admirable generosity as he remodels the house and garden in doggy decor. Basic math skills come into play as both Argo's cache and his rations of dog food dwindle, and young decorators will find inspiration in Smith's festive watercolors. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Argo, an engaging pup, finds an old lottery ticket while making his morning rounds. After his owners leave on a business trip, he takes his find to Mim's store, and discovers that he is the jackpot winner. A fortune arrives later that day in 17 sacks, which he immediately buries in 17 holes throughout the backyard. Realizing the mess he has made, he uses some of his booty to have the yard relandscaped-in doggie fashion. Over the next few days he has the house painted; puts in a bone-shaped swimming pool; and has the house redecorated with paw-print wallpaper, Dalmatian-spotted couches, and a crystal dog-bone chandelier. Argo's owners come home to all of his surprises just as his money runs out. This is a very funny book. The premise alone will tickle readers, but when they see Smith's winning illustrations, they'll giggle out loud. She has done an outstanding job of exploiting the ridiculous, and her superb blend of text and art lets each tell its own story in a most effective fashion. A doggone good read-aloud choice.
Dot Minzer, North Barrington School, Barrington, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lothrop Lee & Shepard
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0688120539
• ISBN 13: 9780688120535
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 50