School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-Written in short snappy chapters from the viewpoint of Down Girl, a frisky dog, this funny tale describes how she and her friend Sit attempt to train their humans. Down Girl soon learns that this is a difficult task because her owner doesn't respond to such wonderful treats as a chewed-up old glove. Both Down Girl and Sit soon become fed up with their respective people and resolve to get their attention by being "bad to the bone," resulting in even more fun. Seeing the world through the eyes of a rowdy dog can give young readers a new perspective on animal-people relationships and on point of view. Nolan's quick wit and Reed's amusing black-and-white illustrations enliven a neighborhood full of four- and two-footed characters. Shared aloud with the first two volumes, Smarter Than Squirrels (2004) and On the Road (2006, both Marshall Cavendish), or as a stand-alone, this hilarious story will delight classroom audiences and will also tempt reluctant readers.-Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In their third chapter-book outing, doggy best friends "Down Girl" and "Sit" must contend again with their misguided masters and the annoying cat, "Here Kitty Kitty," who lives close by. The running joke is that the down-to-earth dog telling the story fully believes her name is "Down Girl" because she hears it so often. The gag may become a bit hackneyed by the end, but it's hard not to appreciate the funny miscommunications between loving pets and confused owners, all told with a limited vocabulary for children just making the transition from early readers. In one hilarious chapter, an obedience lesson in the park rivals Abbott and Costello's famous "Who's On First" routine, since Sit, Down Girl and Hush are all in attendance, and those same commands are being put to heavy use by owners who all seem to have forgotten their own pets' names. Reed's black-and-white illustrations appear on almost every page, extending the three or four paragraphs of text. Young readers will "stay" for the end of this one. (Fiction. 6-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
In this third installment in the Down Girl and Sit chapter-book series, canine narrator Down Girl relates more slapstick adventures of everyday fun and frustrations with her human owner, who just can't be trained. After too many mishaps at home, Down Girl and her best friend, Sit, are sent to obedience school, but back at home, their new manners quickly degenerate in another round of hilarious, minor catastrophes. Once again, Nolan's lively text is well matched by Reed's action-filled drawings. Another lighthearted entry in a clever, comedic series about a dog's view of life.--Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2008 Booklist
