Two girls want a puppy / by Ryan and Evie Cordell ; pictures of Maple Lam.

Two Girls Want a Puppy is inspired by the true story of two sisters, Cadence and Emi, who cleverly convinced their dad to adopt a puppy for their family. You can follow their story at www.milliesmillions.com and visit them at www.facebook.com/twogirlsandapuppy.

Reviews (4)

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 2-Cadence and her little sister Emi really want a puppy. Luckily, they have a "Brilliant Plan" to convince their skeptical father to get them one. Their plan is simple and straightforward. They show persistence by repeatedly asking dad for a puppy, to no avail. Next, they demonstrate responsibility by successfully caring for the vacationing neighbor's dog. Dad is still unconvinced. The sisters show their smarts by researching dogs and display creativity by writing a book about their findings. The result is factual and persuasive: "People are happier and healthier with pets. Doctors say pets help people live longer." Dad is very impressed by both the book and his daughters, and announces that it is time to adopt a dog. The family visits the shelter, where one puppy stands out. The new addition is named Millie, "because we wished for her one million times...and now she's ours!" Delightful watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations depict a simple, relatable story. VERDICT Parents should beware, kids might be inspired to try their own skills of persuasion after reading this selection.-Laura Hunter, Mount Laurel Library, NJ © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

Two sisters devise a successful plan to convince their dad (using his own advice) that they are ready to adopt a puppy. The girls demonstrate persistence, responsibility, and creativity. They also show compassion and explain why they want to adopt from a shelter. The simple, happy illustrations include a book the girls write on the benefits of pet ownership. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Review

Sisters Cadence and Emi use both logical and creative approaches to convince their dad they should be allowed to adopt a puppy. The bubbly little girls are full of reasons for a puppy, but their firm but fair father is just as full of explanations why the girls aren't ready for the responsibilities of dog ownership. The steps to successful achievement of a difficult goal and management of negotiations between opposing sides are skillfully woven into the story, with key vocabulary words highlighted in boldface type. The sisters draw up a written plan to achieve their goal and address each point of their numbered list in some way. The girls take care of a neighbor's dog, research different dog breeds, and create their own book about the value of owning a dog. Their efforts result in their father's admission that his daughters have shown they can be "persistent, responsible, smart, and creative." Together, girls and dad choose an appealing puppy from a shelter. Cheerful, cartoon-style illustrations capture the warm atmosphere of this single-parent household, complemented by lots of display type in varying sizes and colors. Lots of stories address getting a dog, but this tale recounts practical steps in successfully working toward a goal, with the kids solving their own problem. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Booklist Review

In this cheerful picture book, two girls introduce themselves, their eagerness to have a puppy, and their plan for overcoming their father's reluctance. Step one is persistence, as Cadence and Emmy repeatedly ask, Can we get a puppy? In step two, they show responsibility by caring for their vacationing neighbors' dog. Step three, super smarts, means researching canine breeds and characteristics. For super creativity, step four, they write and illustrate their own book about dogs. Finally convinced, Dad relents and takes them to the shelter, where they adopt a puppy. Inspired by the Cordell children's successful Facebook-based plan to get a puppy, this picture book will interest the millions of people who supported their campaign, as well as the millions of kids who wish for pets of their own. Upbeat line-and-wash artwork illustrates the engaging story. While plenty of picture books revolve around a child longing for a pet, few actually address the reasons for their parents' reservations. This story hits the sweet spot between making wishes and making them come true.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

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