A Coyote's in the House
Grade 5-8&ndash;Leonard's knack for creating intriguing, strong characters is evident in his first children's book. While chasing down his latest meal, Antwan, a hip-talking coyote, makes his way into a Hollywood home, where he meets two dogs&ndash;Buddy, an aging film star, and Miss Betty, a champion poodle. In a reversal of roles, Buddy decides that living in the Hollywood Hills as a wild dog with Antwan's homeboys would suit him just fine and he talks the coyote into taking his place as a pampered pet. He comes up with a plan to convince his owners that Antwan is actually a stray dog, and the coyote is soon adopted. After many misadventures and subplots, including Miss Betty's scheme to kidnap a cat for Buddy to rescue in order to help the German shepherd overcome his feelings of being a has-been, the animals land back in their original location, feeling content with the way things have ended. Leonard's enlightening descriptions of the movie business may please adults more than youngsters, but all readers will delight in the growing friendship among the characters. Humorous black-and-white drawings with red accents&ndash;Buddy's film trademark is a red bandanna&ndash;add further interest.&ndash;Ellen Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, ORCopyright &copy; Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.