CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices 2009)
You can tell right off from Buster’s body language that he’s not going to enjoy staying at the kennel when Brown Shoes drops him off. In spite of the fact that the Sagebrush Kennel has tried to make things fun by having themed activities related to cowboy life for their dog guests, Buster is an unwilling cowpoke, at least initially. He hangs back from most of the activities the first day and can’t sleep a wink in the bunkhouse at night. The next day, surprise success in a game of Buckaroo Ball helps Buster begin to relax and have a bit of fun at Cowboy Camp. Before long, he’s helping to gather wood for the campfire, joining in the cowboy sing-along, and eagerly awaiting a new day of cowboy fun when he hits the hay at night. Short chapters comprised of short sentences are accompanied by boldly colored illustrations in the artist’s signature batik style. The back cover includes a glossary of “cowpoke words” such as chuck wagon, pardner, and the all-important yee-haw. CCBC Category: Picture Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. 2008, Henry Holt, 32 pages, $16.95. Ages 3-6.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 8))
Buster the dog is NOT HAPPY that Brown Shoes is taking off for a weekend's R&R and leaving him at Cowboy Camp in the care of Red Boots. A day later, though, after painting a "Wanted" poster (of his friend Betty the white kitten, who gets to stay with Mrs. Pink Slippers), learning how to catch a ball, helping to build a fire under a kettle of beans and bacon and, with fellow canine campers, singing cowboy songs, Buster's attitude has done a complete 180. Fleming's masterly control of her paper-pulp medium shows itself in the poster's lettered header, in the fine patterns of the neckerchiefs worn by all the campers and particularly in Buster's wonderfully expressive body language. The colors really pop, too. Young tenderfeet anxious about sleepover camp will be reassured by Buster's experience; they will also appreciate the cowpoke glossary ("Chow. Food.") on the back cover. 2008, Henry Holt, 40p, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages 4 to 8. © 2008 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Jeannette Hulick (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, July 2008 (Vol. 61, No. 11))
When Brown Shoes, the owner of Buster the dog, goes away for the weekend, it’s off to doggie “cowboy camp” for Buster. Despite being greeted by Red Boots with “a big cowboy howdy” and receiving a snappy blue bandanna, “Buster was not happy. Buster was homesick.” Of course, as Buster’s stay progresses he gradually settles in, and though the book ends before he is reunited with Brown Shoes, things look pretty positive for the canine camper. Eleven short, titled segments tell Buster’s story in a chapter-book-like manner suitable for early readers as well as reading aloud, and a glossary of “cowpoke words” is included on the back cover. Although the camp activities seem, for the most part, appropriately dog-centric (the dogs play with balls and help gather sticks for the campfire), Buster’s worries and his subsequent adjustment to camp life will surely resonate with any human kid who’s had an extended overnight stay away from home. Fleming’s pulp paintings are vibrant, warm, and reassuringly solid, and the paprika-colored, medium-sized Buster emotes quite successfully through the varied positioning of his pointy ears (almost bunny-like in length), nose, and tail. Round up the kids (and maybe even the dogs) and share this one around the campfire Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2006, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2008, Holt, 34p., $16.95. Ages 5-9 yrs.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2008)
When his owner goes on vacation, it's off to Sagebrush Kennel's Cowboy Camp for Buster--a prospect that holds absolutely no appeal. Buster soon discovers his worries about homesickness disappear as he paints, plays ball, and helps with the campfire. Fleming's intensely hued pulp-painting illustrations display Buster's transformation from house dog to cowpoke in all its humorous detail. Category: Picture Books. 2008, Holt, 40pp, 16.95. Ages 4 to 9. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Betty Key (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 21, No. 1))
Buster is a dog. Brown Shoes, his owner, is going on vacation and Buster is being sent to Cowboy Camp at Sagebrush Kennels. Buster does not want to go to camp and is very homesick at first. When he takes part in the activities, he finds that he is having fun. He can hardly wait to see what will happen the next day. This is a fun book filled with western expressions such as “Howdy,” “chuck wagon,” and “hit the hay”. The illustrations are delightful. Buster has a very expressive face. You can tell how he is feeling in every picture. There is a simple map of the camp which could serve as an introduction to map reading. Children should enjoy this book from the bandana print end papers to the list and definitions of “Cowpoke Words” on the back of the book. This book could help a child adapt to a new experience. Fiction. Grades Preschool-2. 2008, Henry Holt, Unpaged., $16.95. Ages 2 to 8.