Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature)
Daniel is “the bravest boy of all.” He’s not afraid of spiders, snakes, or thunderstorms, but right in Day’s eye-catching cover illustration, we see Daniel shimmying up a lamppost as a dog walker strides by with her five charges. Older sister, Jenny, minces no words: “You’re afraid of dogs!” Daniel will go to any lengths to avoid them, so it is a shock when he comes home to their city apartment one day and finds his mom holding a small brown-and-white puppy; Aunt Rosa has left Bandit while she’s away. Poor Daniel! He’s terrified and mortified at the same time, but he won’t come out of his room, not even for supper. It takes a loud thunderstorm to bring boy and dog together at last in a nighttime confrontation in the bathroom. As Daniel and Bandit gradually come to an understanding and retreat to Daniel’s bedroom, readers will, no doubt, along with boy and dog, breathe a sigh of relief. Bandit is an appealing little puppy inspired, Pitzer says, by one of her Shetland sheepdogs, Zzazu. Daniel’s fear and humiliation are well captured both in the dialogue and in Day’s expressive watercolor paintings of Daniel’s rigid back and his determined push against the bedroom door when his mother tries to come in. The scene of terror in the bathroom is magnified by close-ups of frightened eyes peering over the tub. City-dwellers or not, readers will be both amused and sympathetic, and perhaps inspired to confront some fears of their own. 2006, Walker, $16.95 and $17.85. Ages 4 to 8.

CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2007)
Daniel insists that he’s not afraid of dogs, even though he goes out of his way to avoid them. “I just don’t like them,” he insists. But Daniel finds himself in close quarters when his family plays host to his aunt’s small dog, Bandit, in their apartment. He refuses to come out of his room for dinner despite his parents’ reassurance that Bandit won’t hurt him. A middle-of-the-night thunderstorm gives Daniel the opportunity to reassert his courage and to overcome his fear when he discovers Bandit cowering alone in the bathroom, terrified of the storm, in a story that will resonate for many young readers and listeners, whether they have a similar fear or simply don’t always feel as brave as they wish. CCBC Category: Picture Books for School-Aged Children. 2006, Walker, 32 pages, $16.95 and $17.85. Ages 4-7.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 6))
Backbeard the buccaneer gets a wardrobe upgrade in this waaay south of serious outing. So hairy and unsanitary that even his parrots quit in disgust, the pirate chief at last decides to exchange his filthy rags for something classier, and maybe pick up a new mascot too. Fortunately (for readers, if not for him), he finds a tailor both quick-witted and poker-faced, and soon Backbeard is strutting down the street past stunned townsfolk in a sporty boater and flashy psychedelic duds, balancing a piglet on his shoulder. His own crewmembers don't recognize him-"You sound like the Captain, but you look like a goofball"-until a friendly melee sets them straight. Properly capped with a back cover of equally hilarious alternative outfits and a squat, glowering, hirsute paper doll, this makes the funniest makeover since Laura Rader's Santa's New Suit (2000). 2006, Walker, 32p, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 6 to 9. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cindy Walker (Library Media Connection, August/September 2006)
Backbeard is the hairiest, toughest, loudest, and most unsanitary pirate on the high seas. On his birthday, the crew throws him a party, which results in Backbeard's clothing becoming stained and torn. So, he goes to town looking for new clothes and finds a store filled with fancy clothes. The storeowner doesn't carry the traditional pirate suit, so he fits Backbeard in a colorful and bright suit that most pirates would be embarrassed to wear. When he approaches his ship wearing the fancy suit, the crew doesn't recognize him. A somewhat friendly fight breaks out between Backbeard and his crew, which ends with Backbeard seriously asking the crew's opinion of his new suit. The crew reassures Backbeard that the fancy new suit only changes his outward appearance and not the fact that he's still the hairiest pirate they know and love. Children will relate to Backbeard's desire to be accepted and loved by his friends. This colorfully illustrated book would be a great choice to use when teaching about friendship or acceptance of those different from us. Recommended. 2006, Walker and Company, 32pp., $16.95 hc. Ages 5 to 9.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006)
I'm not afraid of dogs!" says Daniel. "I just don't like them." In this believable story, Daniel is surprised to find himself comforting his aunt's pup during a thunderstorm. The succinct text contains realistic dialogue (his older sister's teasing, Daniel's own bravado), and the illustrations will allow kids, dog-phobic or not, to both sympathize with Daniel's fear and laugh at it. Category: Preschool. 2006, Walker, 32pp, 16.95, 17.85. Ages 2 to 5. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006)
Tired of his raggedy pirate suit, this comically nasty Backbeard buys a vibrant patterned suit complete with a straw boater. When returning to his ship he's not recognized by his crew until he gets mean and then he's welcomed back, suit and all. The cartoon-style illustrations and humorous text riddled with pirate jargon play off each other well, maximizing silliness. Category: Picture Books. 2006, Walker, 32pp, 16.95, 17.85. Ages 4 to 9. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.