From the creators of the New York Times bestselling series Clementine comes another chapter book collection that will keep readers engaged and laughing until the very last page.Waylon thinks most problems can be solved with science. But when it comes to having to share a dog with Baxter Boylen, science may not be very helpful. Baxter is the closest thing to a juvenile delinquent Waylon has ever met. He's always getting called to Principal Rice's office, and now he's even having meetings with the chief of police. At least the two boys can visit their dog, Dumpster Eddy, while they're at the station. Eddy is behind bars in the Stray Animals' Lock-up. When a new Animal Control officer takes over, it looks as though the dog's days are numbered. Waylon comes up with a science-y plan to save Eddy, but can he trust Baxter to help him carry it out?
This second Waylon book was even more awesome as promised. Waylon and classmate Baxter are attempting to care for a stray dog they have named Eddy. Since neither one can bring a dog home, they decide to build an igloo to give Eddy a place to sleep. Their igloo is amazing and their teamwork skills exceptional. Now, can they break Eddy out of the police lockup in time to keep him from being sent to a shelter? Meanwhile, Waylon continues to work with Charlie on their sci-fi comic book while Baxter studies for his junior police certificate. Waylon's dad still hasn't sold his thramedy screenplay and sister Neon is into French studies now. Loved all the dog facts inside the front and back covers.
Imo doesn't have quite the same magic as the Clementine books, but still pretty awesome for kids 1st-4th grade. The igloo is amazing, and seems possible - let me know if your family makes one. A terrific family read-aloud, as you'll laugh together and have things to talk about, for example friendship, honesty, cooking, writing, and Baxter. Nothing too intense, but def. less 'sugar and spice' and more 'snips and snails.' Don't get me wrong, though, it's still very sweet and warm.
Shout out to the book designer for using the end-papers, but doing so in a way that leaves them usable by libraries and patrons! And I love that the handwritten list there is apparently) from a real kid.
This is the second book about Waylon, a classmate and friend of Clementine, the star of Pennypacker's other series. Although Waylon and Clementine are friends, she plays a small part in each of the books. Waylon is an engaging character who is fascinated with all things related to science. In this story, he desperately wants a dog and with Baxter, a fellow classmate, they concoct a far fetched scheme to get and keep one. An appealing friendship and dog story for readers who appreciate gently humorous realistic fiction.
First sentence: One look at Baxter's face, and Waylon knew. "Dumpster Eddy was picked up again."
Premise/plot: I loved the first book in the series, Waylon! One Awesome Thing. Several months have passed since the first book. In those months, Waylon and Baxter have gotten to know each other much better. One thing unites them: Dumpster Eddy. This is a stray dog that keeps getting picked up by the police. On the day he's scheduled to be shipped to an animal shelter, he always mysteriously disappears. Waylon and Baxter have everything to do with that. But they are beginning to think long-term. How can they really save this dog?
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Clementine is definitely more present in this second book. In fact, she helps them out occasionally in their scheming. The action definitely centers around the dog. But this is more than just a dog story. It's a story about working together, working well together. Waylon and Baxter happen to see eye to eye on Eddy. But. Waylon is not seeing eye to eye with another of his friends. The two are supposed to be writing a comic book together--a science themed comic book. But things aren't going well at all. DRAMA. Waylon does have a lot to learn about friendship. And readers continue to get to know Waylon, his family, and his classmates.
A Clementine spin-off with a male protagonist. Waylon is "the scienciest kid" from Clementine's class and a terrific character in his own right.
This second series installment contains markedly less science than the introductory book, though Waylon uses some science to help an abandoned, needy dog. Like the first book, this one focuses on friendship dynamics, a very relatable topic for lower middle grade readers. In this story, readers see more of Waylon's family, as well as Clementine, which is nice.
I'm really enjoying this spin-off and I hope there are more books to come in this series.
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
Waylon and Baxter are NOT friends. Waylon loves science. His dream is to be a junior correspondent for Neil Degrasse Tyson. Baxter spends a lot of time in Principal Rice's office and has recently been talking to the chief of police. But when Dumpster Eddy shows up at the Stray Lock-Up again, the two boys do whatever they can to take care of this dog they've fallen in love with. They take turns walking him and playing with him, until on the 10th day (the day before he would be sent away) they break him out.
This time, the nice lady who works at the lock-up is gone on maternity leave and a no-nonsense type has taken her place. Can the boys still save Dumpster Eddy this time around? Waylon wants to use science to help, but will Baxter go along with the plan?
This was a really cute middle grade novel. It would be perfect for 3rd or 4th grade. The first couple chapters were kind of slow, but I liked the way you grew to know Waylon and Baxter. They both have very kind hearts when it comes to this dog and they learn some lessons about themselves and each other along the way. The ending was a nice surprise as well.
This is the second book in a series, but honestly, I didn't read the first book and it didn't seem to make a big deal. I didn't know the characters as well as I might have, but this book could easily work as a stand alone.
Waylon has always wanted a dog, and now he kind of has one: Dumpster Eddy. There are a couple of problems, though. For one thing, Waylon doesn't have anywhere to keep Dumpster Eddy. He can't have a dog at home because his mom is allergic. For now, Eddy is in the stray animal lockup at the police station. For another thing, Waylon shares Eddy with Baxter Boylen, who has an unsettling obsession with crime, and is the closest thing to a juvenile delinquent that Waylon has ever met. Can Waylon find a science-y solution to the problem of where to keep Eddy before the dog is shipped out to an animal shelter?
Dogs and science: what's not to love? This is another great book by Pennypacker, and there are bonus appearances by some favorite characters from the Clementine series, including Mitchell, Principal Rice, and Clementine herself. Highly recommended for kids in grades 2-4, and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming dog story (where the dog does not die)!
It's hard to imagine but the second title in this series, Waylon! Even More Awesome, IS even more awesome. Waylon, Baxter and Clementine come alive with Sara Pennypacker's convincingly realistic depictions of the charmingly flawed characters. In this title Waylon has one driving need to save Dumpster Eddy, the dog that he and Baxter surreptitiously freed from the pound in the first book. The feeling in Waylon's sciencey heart is so distraught readers can't imagine a relief from his anguish, since neither Baxter nor Waylon's family can own a dog in their homes. Nothing is more heart wrenching than a beloved dog separated from the person(s) they yearn for most. Kids will connect with Waylon's concern about the future of this bedraggled with bald patches, spirited dog named Dumpster Eddy. This is an exquisite boy and dog title that kids will love. A must buy for elementary school libraries.
For fans of Waylon, this will be another great addition to the collection that is already forming. For fans of the series Clementine, this will be a great read as a spin-off. Waylon and Baxter's friendship with Dumpster Eddy, the lovable stray who they regularly spring from the local police station, is the primary focus. Along the way, readers will learn more about Neil DeGrasse Tyson, various behavioral science, and police codes of conduct than one might expect, but it fits in nicely with the overall narrative. In all, this is a nice story. The plot had just enough depth to keep young readers engaged without getting over their heads. Engaging and tidily wrapped up by the end, this would be the right fit for a primary grade elementary school reader. Well done.
I loooove Clementine and was a little reluctant to try another chapter book series by Pennypacker. I'm not sure why. I just didn't think anything could possibly measure up? And I still love Clementine the most, but this is really darling. It's got all the same things I love about Clementine - terrific voice, well-developed, flawed characters who grow through the story, wonderful illustrations, a main character a lot of kids can identify with. Also, worth noting, I had not read the first Waylon book, so it may be useful for some readers to know that the book stands on its own. You don't have to have read the first one. Can't wait to read more of Waylon's adventures!
🐶🐶🐶🐶/5 for Waylon! Even more Awesome, just out 10/31. I received this book at #alaac17 and will be passing it along to #kidlitexchange. * Waylon is a fourth grader who finds the science in everything. He and his not-friend Baxter are back with the dog, Dumpster Eddy. They have got to find that dog a home! Will they be able to do it this time? * Admittedly, I did not read the first Waylon and it’s been a long time since Clementine. Nonetheless, I was rooting for these boys from the beginning. One of my favorite pieces of this is the friendship aspect and how to navigate that. Great not-quite-hidden message there!
Thanks to the @kitlitexchange network for the review copy of this book-all opinions are my own.
Waylon! Even More Awesome is a very cute story about a boy who has fallen in love with a stray dog and his plan to keep him. This is a short chapter book that would be perfect for third or fourth graders on up. It would also make a great read aloud. The characters are charming and the story is super sweet. It explores themes of friendship (what makes a friend a friend), making assumptions about others, owning a pet, following your dreams, and family. I’d give it three and a half stars out of five and recommend it if you have a dog loving kid in your life.
Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own.
This is the 2nd book in the Waylon! Trilogy by the author of the Clementine series. I have not read the first book, but didn’t need to in order to get to know Waylon (who is a friend of Clementine), the aspiring scientist and adventure seeking 4th grader. This story centers on Waylon’s adventures as he tries to rescue a stray dog with the help of his new friend Baxter. Themes of friendship, school, family, and the desire to own a dog will ring true with middle grade readers. This illustrated chapter book series would be an excellent addition to a school library or classroom.
Fans of Clementine will be familiar with Waylon in this spin off series. This book has both lots of heart, scenes that will make you smile and laugh.
Give this those that are already familiar with Sara Pennypacker books, kids that enjoy realistic fiction and reluctant readers. Basically there is something here for everyone. An adorable, fun and great read.
This was the first book I read in the Waylon series. To me it seems as they can be read separately as well as part of the series.
What fun to read story about kids being kids! Waylon and his not-quite-friend Baxter are determined to save "their" stray dog. I love dogs, and found myself totally invested in their problem solving, pulling for them all the way. Good character development and a believeable solution. I loved this book and recommend even if you have not read the first Waylon story.
A nice continuation of the series. The focus is in Waylon’s friendships with the Dumpster dog, and the misunderstood bully. Clementine and others from the Clementine books also make appearances. A solid, chapter book series. Maybe a little too sweet for certain kids. For fans of the Clementine books.
A smile inducing tale of a boy and his dog. Waylon is a much less complicated character than Clementine is. Which, at first, made me less interested in him. But I came to appreciate his simplicity and pure heart after a while. There are hints here that some more interesting things might happen in later books. I hope that they do.
Wow. This book was so simple and yet so well crafted. I loved the characters and the plot. It would be great for kids because it is easy to follow, is filled with learning opportunities, and is actually quality writing. I thought is was charming and dear. Impressed! Note- I didn't read the first in the series and I had no problems understanding.
So fun to wake up and find my little dude cozied up on the couch enjoying the ARC of this sweet new Disney title we received! He thinks it's a great book and tells me he can't wait to finish! Plan to buy a copy for your independent reader or to read together as a family book--its a hit!
This is very good book! Basically it's about three young boys and how friendships developed around circumstances evolving around a special dog. Incredible attention grabbing, must keep reading each chapter kinda book!
Science, friendship, dedication, misunderstanding and perseverance. I can't wait to bring this book into our classroom and talk it up. I think it's a good one for Izzy or Derek.