Astrid and Apollo and the Cutest Canine Contest - by V T Bidania

About the Book

Eight-year-old Hmong American twins Astrid and Apollo want to enter their dog Luna in the Cutest Canine Contest, but teaching her the tricks she will need to compete is proving challenging, even with the help of their little sister, Eliana.

Book Synopsis

Eight-year-old Hmong American twins Astrid and Apollo decide to enter their dog Luna in the Cutest Canine Contest. After all, she's the cutest dog they know! But they discover that teaching Luna the tricks needed to compete in the contest might be "trickier" than they thought! With the help of a friend and little sister Eliana, they discover Luna is a fast learner--but that she's also picked up some bad habits from another dog! On the day of the contest, will Luna dazzle or fizzle? Exploring themes of tradition and adventure, and showcasing a warm sibling relationship in a Hmong American family, Astrid and Apollo will charm young readers.

Review Quotes

Astrid and Apollo, the popular Hmong siblings, return to face new challenges together. This time, they enter their adorable dog Luna into a canine contest after teaching her some new tricks, and they host a party for their Great Uncle Cha, ­featuring some especially sticky noodles. The family's lively activities are brought to life through vibrant illustrations. The inclusion of Hmong words and their pronunciations before the first chapter aids in reading, while the Hmong facts and glossary at the end offer an informative introduction to the culture for children who may be unfamiliar with it. VERDICT These titles uphold the quality of the series, prominently highlighting Hmong culture, and are valuable additions to library collections.-- "School Library Journal"