Seemingly based on lived experience of someone with hypersensitivity – overly physical reactions to strong stimuli – it was a shame to see this so over-bludgeoning and unsubtle. So much so you thought it would have triggered a reaction. Either way, I found this an odd mix of fiction far too broad to sit easily with adults like me, and the oddball – life lessons that involve sniffing pizza toppings, for one. Far too earnest, it drums into us the benefits of Ukrainians, generosity, books and above all dogs, and loses a lot of authorial craft in doing so.

Bash and Lucy will make some students a little more understanding of their differences. Hopefully. I mean, that’s what you want. The book does a great job of this for smaller kids. I think it is a little too on the nose for upper grade students. Still, I love any book with a love of dogs. Pair that with a love of uniqueness, and I am sold.

Cute children's chapter book with a great story line that children and middle grade students will enjoy.

An engaging and entertaining children's book that teaches young readers valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and the importance of community. The story of Bash, Lucy, and their family and friends is both heartwarming and inspiring, and the book's message of spreading love for dogs is sure to resonate with young readers. The mystery at the heart of the story is engaging and will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

A heartwarming children's chapter book about a young boy named Bash who enlists the help of his family and friends to solve the mystery of the missing dog books from the library. With the aid of his golden retriever, Lucy, and his feisty Ukrainian grandmother, Vera, Bash and his sister Ally tackle the mystery while spreading a message of kindness and love for dogs. This book is perfect for young readers who love mystery stories and heartwarming tales about the power of friendship and family.