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Description

Synopsis

Dog fans of all ages will love Flawed Dogs, the annual publication of the fictional "Last Chance" Dog Pound, in the small town of Piddleton, Vermont. Pulitzer Prizewinning Berkeley Breathed, whose books for adults and children have sold a whopping eight million copies, is at the top of his form with his riotous depictions of these imperfect dogs and their original, dissatisfied owners. Berkeley Breathed is a Pulitzer Prizewinning editorial cartoonist. His comic strip, Bloom County, ran for years in newspapers worldwide.

Author Biography: Berkeley Breathed lives and works in Santa Barbara, California and is the proud owner of a gentle pit bull named Ridley, a deaf dachshund named Milly, and a refugee mutt from the Puerto Rican streets named Pilar—splendidly flawed dogs, every one.

Publishers Weekly

In this outwardly glib paper-over-board catalogue of homeless dogs, Breathed (Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big) comments on people's mistreatment of animals. Trouble is, Breathed's flippant satire and visual hyperbole make an odd fit with his devotion to a worthy cause-the book may be best suited to adult dog lovers. According to the introduction, Piddleton, Vt., "Pop. 327 (People: 243)," is home to activist Heidy Str delberg, who once named a "shivering three-legged streetdog" best in show at Westminster and then founded the Last Chance Dog Pound, to give "the doomed and most desperate... a final try at getting adopted into a world that worships perfection." But that's all in the fine print. To a casual browser, the book is a rogue's gallery of unlovely pets. Barney, a tattooed hound, sits sadly at the grave of his departed owner, "Leo `Nardo' Davinski, 1922-2003, Tattooer to the Angels Now." Pepe, a cross-eyed Chihuahua, thinks he's as handsome as Richard Gere. Other charmers are flatulent or stick their heads up their owner's nostrils. Every spread includes a full-page color portrait, opposite which is a black-and-white mug shot picturing the lonely animal in a gray cement cell. The sentimental concluding image, a glowing Pi ta holding a bandaged dog, laments that "Some live without love.../ That's how they're flawed." Despite this pro-adoption plea, none of the unfortunates finds a home, and the vaunted Piddleton shelter (if indeed it is the one pictured) looks as lifeless as a tomb. All ages. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Biography

Berkeley Breathed, one of America's most popular illustrators, is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for his editorial cartooning. His comic strip "Bloom County" ran for years in newspapers around the world and his books of the collected cartoons include the bestsellers 'Toons for Our Times and Penguin Dreams and Stranger Things. His highly acclaimed picture books, A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story, The Last Basselope, Goodnight Opus, Red Ranger Came Calling, and Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big have been hits with children and adults alike.

Berkeley Breathed lives, works, and surfs in Montecito, California.

Reviews (13)

5 star:
 
 (10)
4 star:
 
 (1)
3 star:
 
 (1)
2 star:
 
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1 star:
 
 (1)

Most Helpful Positive Review:

I was roaring in the asile!!!5 star rating
by Anonymous on October 22, 2003 at Barnes & Noble
This book has it ALL!!!! Awesome illustrations and hilarious lyrics. I especially liked the tennis balls (you'll get it once you see it). Because of this book I am ordering all of Berkeley Breathed's books. I cannot wait to share this one with everyone!!!

Most Helpful Negative Review:

Gawd Flawd is Funny3 star rating
by Anonymous on October 20, 2003 at Barnes & Noble
My 12 year old laughed out loud at the illustrations alone. The cover caught our attention at the school book fair. If you and your children have a sense of humor buy it.

Reviews sorted by helpfulness:

  • disapointing to say the least1 star rating
    by Anonymous on December 30, 2003 at Barnes & Noble
    I recived the book as a gift and I was annoyed that the wonderful traits of these dogs were not included. I will agree that the illustrations were great. But the story was not one that I enjoyed. I had to stop the other members of my family from throwing this gift away they took great offense that someone would give this to a fmily that loves dogs not only for their outer appearance but for the inner traits that maked dogs what they are a valuable companion.
  • Gives a different view of animals in need of help4 star rating
    by dogcatcher on August 8, 2009 at Barnes & Noble
    It isn't what i thought it was going to be about when purchased, but i was glad to find that it helped find homes for animals in another part of the country, i work as an Animal Control Officer and try to find a variety of things that are about animals, this was very intriguing to me and well worth it's price.
  • This book was so endearing,I really want to say sweet but that sounds so annoying.You could trade the dogs in with anyone human and have the same exact story, though for me not the same exact feeling, seeing as how I do love dogs.....5 star rating
    by hayesPT on February 23, 2009 at Barnes & Noble
    I'm going to have to sound like some paid advertisement, because I have to say that Flawed Dogs is inspirational and oh so warm and fuzzy.To hear the story on which this book is based, is the truly inspirational part. How the dogs are drawn and portrayed is the warm and fuzzy part.What average human being hasn't watched the big dog shows with some feeling of "HUH?"...or just plain disgust. Most us are not Pits and Jolies, hence no pedigree. So, reading that the head judge at the Westminster dog show actually was motivated to bring in a mangled mutt she found on the steps outside the show and then put the winning 1st place ribbon on him...if only as a attention grabber, THAT IS INSPIRATIONAL and entirely selfless as well!THe artwork is so imaginative, funny, and beautiful. If you dont like the book its only because you must be a Pitt or Jolie and lucky you!pt
  • A delight for the funnybone - and the soul5 star rating
    by daggel on October 30, 2008 at Barnes & Noble
    Got this book as a gift and will buy it for dog lovers on my Christmas list this year too.What a wonderful, quirky, downright hysterically funny little book - the illustrations are worth the price - and the writing is funny beyond words.If you have a sense of wonder, the absurd, the ability to understand what acceptance and love are about, you will treasure this book.I alternated between tears of laughter and pity -- but, believe me, the laughter will win out.It's a message, but will leave you feeling good. The last lines alone are worth the price.If you love animals - even if you just have a wacky sense of humor - this book is for you.
  • This is the best children's book I've ever read!!!5 star rating
    by Anonymous on August 28, 2008 at Barnes & Noble
    This book is incredible. Each time I read it I laugh until I cry. The art is histerical, and I think, as I said, it is the best kid's book there can be, along with other Berkely Breathed books.
  • WONDERFUL, MUST READ5 star rating
    by Anonymous on July 5, 2005 at Barnes & Noble
    This book is wonferful, truely a must read for all people. Really puts the needs of the dogs first. I hope everyone who reads this goes out and adopts one of these amazing dogs and finds the love that I found in my two rescue dogs!!
  • If you've ever rescued a dog, read this book!5 star rating
    by Anonymous on April 6, 2004 at Barnes & Noble
    This could've been me! I've always wanted to open a shelter for the dogs nobody else wanted. But this story was told in such a wonderful, FUNNY way. The illlustrations are so creatively ingenious- I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't like it. Unless, of course, they are those 'Pet Show People' with Registered Name Brand Foo-Foo Dogs that cost $800 with names like Sir Winston Rainwater Lion-Hearted Billy Bob Royale III (aka B-Bob). That would certainly explain it.
  • I Laughed Until I looked like one of those Dogs5 star rating
    by Anonymous on December 30, 2003 at Barnes & Noble
    I laughed my bottom off looking at this book. Its a bit dark but has a great message that all four (three) footed and furry creatures deserve love. The illustrations sometimes lack a certain finesse you'd expect from airbrush but the style works for the material, with hilarious results. 'Noodles' was my personal favorite, with 'Lulu' running a close second. Read this book if you need a side split or if you understand bizarre humor like the far-side.
  • funny but there's so much more to it5 star rating
    by Anonymous on December 8, 2003 at Barnes & Noble
    This book on the surface is very funny. The illustrations are beautifully rendered but read more closely. I was smiling at the beginning but very teary-eyed at the end. The message of this book should not be ignored. My 6 year old daughter laughed at the funny pictures but totally missed the message. Buy this book, read this book and then open your heart to a 'flawed dog' in a shelter somewhere.

Specifications

About this edition:
ISBN13: 9780316713597
ISBN: 0316713597
BINC: 7257107
Edition: Illustrated
Age: 9 - 12 years
Grade: Preschool - 17
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