The Duke and Tricky have reason to be well known in their town. On any given day, they play mean tricks, steal food from children, and treat others with callous disregard for their feelings or physical well-being.
For children, those who are older than they are can often be the catalyst for personal learning that is not much appreciated by many. It is the same for Tricky. He has learned each of his dirty tricks from his owner, the Duke. The Duke has a sadistic bent, and so does Tricky. They both spend their days doing the worst they can do.
"After dinner each night, over some
hot tea, the Duke would whoop and
laugh about the day's mischief while
Tricky snuffled and rolled on the rug."
Neither knows (or wants to know) that things could be different. So, when a new baker comes to town, the Duke and Tricky are quick to distract her while they execute their mischief. Ms. Paisley has a good heart, and she shares the love that is in it with Tricky when she provides kindness and a delicious treat. Tricky has never been the recipient of such a gift, and it has an effect on the sentimental part of Tricky's soul. He is unable to sleep as the warmth spreads to the innermost reaches of his being.
The next trick played by the Duke no longer feels right to his accomplice. Tricky has a conscience, and uses it to exact revenge on his uncaring owner. What's a dog to do? Will he find a better way to live his life? Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Heartwarming and humorous, kids are going to love hearing this debut picture book. It is fun to read out loud, and its illustrations will have little ones giggling as it is shared. The art was 'created with a mix of traditional media composited and coloured in Photoshop'. Attention to character and facial expressions, nefarious tricks, and retribution are sure to elicit the desired response from readers regarding both action and drama.
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