<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>Buster is not a small dog, but he feels like a small dog. He feels small at crowded birthday parties. He feels small when he tries to catch balls or chase wild animals. He especially feels small next to Phoebe, a bold dog who is an ace ballcatcher, popular at parties, and seemingly unafraid of anything. In these two stories Buster discovers his self-worth and self-confidence and makes friends along the way. Beginning readers will relate to Buster's fears and his successes and will relish in their very own triumph of reading on their own.<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br>"These stories about a puppy searching for his strengths will bring smiles of recognition to the beginning-reader set." --<i>School Library Journal</i> Join Buster the very shy dog as he discovers his self-worth and self-confidence in a house full of more outgoing canine and feline characters. Formatted for Green Light Readers Level 3, this edition of <i>Buster</i> features two easy-to-read stories from the original book. In the first, a wary Buster reaches out to befriend a girl who seems sad and lonely at a birthday party. In the second, Buster, insecure about his inability to catch a ball, uncovers a winning talent all his own!<p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br>Dog and cat lovers and shy kids everywhere will happily (and successfully) read and reread these stories. <b>--Kirkus</b> <p/> <br> "The dogs featured have very childlike characteristics, and youngsters will find much to identify with." <i>--Publisher's Weekly</i> "These stories about a puppy searching for his strengths will bring smiles of recognition to the beginning- reader set . . . Bechtold's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are droll and plentiful. Children not quite ready for Cynthia Rylant's Henry and Mudge series appreciate the natural repetition of vocabulary and the brevity of text per page." <i>--School Library Journal</i> "An agreeable, relatable story and above-average cartoon-style artwork that features the particularly appealing Buster. A good choice for kids just past the easiest reader stage. <br> <i>---Booklist, ALA</i>"The digest-sized format of the book is pitched toward both picture-book and beginning-reader audiences, and the lively ink-and-watercolor illustrations have a well-drawn goofiness that barks up just the right tree." <i>--Horn Book</i> <p/> "Bechtold makes a sturdy debut with these. . .episodes in the life of a big dog with scrawny self-esteem. Although he is intimidated by strangers and totally unable to catch thrown objects, Buster discovers that he's a good listener, a talent that comes in handy when there's an escaped hamster to track down, a gang of nocturnal garbage-pail plunderers to catch in the act, or a lonely human to comfort. Slinking anxiously through airy, simply drawn scenes, the pop-eyed, charcoal-colored pooch looks ready to bolt at the drop of a hat, and while he finds a measure of courage at last in the company of his outgoing canine companion, Phoebe, readers will want to give him a reassuring hug. Scoot over, Mudge." <br> <i>--Kirkus Reviews</i><br><p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br><b>Lisze Bechtold</b> lives in Pasadena, California. She is an award-winning independent filmmaker and former animator for various studios, including Walt Disney. The idea for this story came from many memories living with the real Buster and Phoebe. For a game starring Buster the very shy dog, visit www.bustertheveryshydog.com.