Felix Powell, Boy Dog

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024

“A just-right book for a developing reader.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In this funny young middle grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings by two-time Newbery Medal winner and National Book Award finalist Erin Entrada Kelly on almost every page. Perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean, Merci Suárez, and Dory Fantasmagory.

Felix Powell can talk to animals. Just ask his dog, Mary Puppins! They talk all the time. When a mysterious, magical spell turns Felix into a dog, Mary Puppins is amazed. But not as much as Felix! Will his tail ever stop wagging? Will he ever see in full color again? How will he deal with Gumbo, the snobby neighborhood cat? Most importantly, will he ever return to being a regular boy?

With short, high-interest chapters and illustrations by the author on almost every page, Felix Powell, Boy Dog celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, imagination, and friendship. For readers of Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Meg Medina, and Megan McDonald and all kids who love animals.

“This is a fast-paced, humorous tale of friendship and empathy filled with fun and informative interstitial art and graphic panels. . . . [A] charming, lightly magical tale.” - School Library Journal

“It's summer in Louisiana, but eight-year-old Felix insists on buying a threadbare blanket at the thrift store, certain it has a special quality. . . . Felix pops under the blanket as a human boy, but he emerges from the cover as a scruffy canine. . . . The hysterical high jinks happen over the course of one day, and the brisk pace, ample illustrations, comic-strip interludes, and hilarious commentary will appeal to even reluctant readers. . . . A creative canine conundrum packed with humor and heart.” - Booklist

“Short chapters create a well-paced narrative with an appropriate amount of suspense, while Kelly’s plentiful b&w drawings enhance the friendly ambiance. . . . A just-right book for a developing reader.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Woven effectively into this whimsical story are animal facts and insights into how dogs perceive the world; animal lovers like Felix will be pleased. Kelly folds in lessons of empathy and compassion. . . . A charming dog’s tale sure to reward curious readers.” - Kirkus Reviews

“The storyline of this early chapter book is direct and well-contained, with the three major players having distinct personalities and roles to play. . . . Felix and Puppins have a gleeful energy. . . but Felix’s push and pull with Gumbo forms the emotional core. The cat is snobby and patronizing, yet Felix finds that when he’s mean in turn, he feels worse. . . . Kelly gives readers a sympathetic and relatable kid in Felix as he figures out how to stand up for himself without resorting to cruelty.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books