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Bad Dog, Marley! (by John Grogan)

common sense media says

Kids learn that even bad dogs have good days.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this inoffensive but slight book will intrigue kids who like to see a big mess.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Bad Dog, Marley!

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about their own family rules and limits when it comes to pets. What sorts of things could the family in this book try when they're fed up with Marley? Even though Marley has proven his worth they still need to deal with his bad behavior. Kids can brainstorm ideas.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Marley the dog moves in and chaos reigns. Will Marley be allowed to stay with his new family?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Marley is a big, floppy, and ostensibly lovable Labrador retriever who turns the family home into chaos. Destroying glasses, eating chocolate cake on top of the refrigerator, and otherwise creating mayhem, Marley doesn't seem long for the family. While big sister Cassie and baby Louie love Marley they can't help but join their parents in a chorus of, "Bad dog, Marley!"

 

The book, a kid-sized version of bestselling memoir, Marley & Me, is uninspired with nice but uninteresting illustrations to match. The ending is pat and formulaic. Kids will likely cheer Marley's heroics but adults will be left yawning. And it still doesn't explain how the family learns to live with such a destructive canine.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: John Grogan
Illustrator: Richard Cowdrey
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date: May 1, 2007
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 8
This review was written by Dawn Friedman
 
 

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