Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively, charming tale of friendship, being true to yourself.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In FELIX POWELL, BOY DOG, 8-year-old Felix is mysteriously drawn to a particular blanket while shopping with his grandmother at the thrift store. The blanket doesn't look like anything special, but Felix somehow knows he has to have it. When he and his dog, Mary Puppins, are playing with the blanket in the yard, Felix crawls out from under it to find, to his and Puppins' delight, that he has been transformed into a dog. Together they have a great time while Felix learns all about being a dog, which includes debating with Gumbo, the snobby neighborhood cat, about which animal is the best. But when Gumbo gets trapped alone in a dark toolshed, and dinner time is almost here, Felix starts to wonder if a dog's life really is the best life for him.
Is It Any Good?
This is a lively and charming story with characters both human and animal that big kids and tweens will relate to. And along the way, Felix Powell, Boy Dog offers food for thought about friendship, family, empathy, and being who you're meant to be. Fans may recognize Felix, who was introduced in another series by author Erin Entrada Kelly, Only Only Marisol Rainey. Kelly's lively black-and-white illustrations add movement and charm. Short chapters and mild suspense keep the pages turning toward the sweet ending, and an epilogue asks readers to "be on the lookout for new adventures with Felix."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teamwork in Felix Powell, Boy Dog. How do Felix and Puppins work together to help Gumbo and Felix at the same time?
How do Felix's feelings about Gumbo change, and what can we learn about empathy and friendship from them?
How does Felix satisfy his curiosity about things? What are you curious about, and how can you learn more about it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Erin Entrada Kelly
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : July 16, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 160
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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