Worst in Show - by Pj Gardner (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A laugh-out-loud young middle grade animal caper about a hapless ferret who decides to prove himself to his furry crime family by foiling a plot to sabotage the Baskerville Dog Show--from the author of the Horace & Bunwinkle series. Perfect for fans of A Boy Called Bat and Wedgie & Gizmo!

Fil Furetto is a terrible criminal. He can't pick a lock or crack a safe, and he's hardly menacing. The only things he's good at are cooking and watching over the arena his crime family calls home. But then he stumbles upon a mysterious message: Someone is planning to sabotage the frontrunner at the arena's next big event, The Baskerville Dog Show. Fil's Uncle Sal is furious--no one does nefarious acts under the Furettos' roof without his say so!--and tasks Fil with protecting the defenseless dog.

Dot Hernandez is a Corgi with a vision. Win the Baskerville, collect the prize money, and finally launch her designer doggy fashion line. So when a scrawny ferret shows up with a warning that someone is trying to take her out of the competition, she's skeptical.

But as mysterious mishaps befall her, Dot is forced to admit there's something fishy at the dog show, and she agrees to team up with Fil to find the culprit. Is it a canine competitor? One of their human trainers? Or an old enemy out to ruin the Furettos? Only one thing seems certain: if they don't figure it out, both Dot's fashion dreams and Fil's family could be in danger.

Review Quotes

Praise for Horace & Bunwinkle: "Gardner's debut tale of mystery and (eventual) bucolic bliss brings to mind Joan Carris and Noah Z. Jones' Bed & Biscuit series. Graduates of the Mercy Watson books will also feel right at home. Mottram's occasional illustrations just add to the charm....This kicks off a series, and readers will be glad to know that this piggie and pooch will pair up again." -- Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR Horace & Bunwinkle: "I know a thing or two about animals who investigate mysteries, and Horace and Bunwinkle have what it takes, doing so with pluck and charm. Kids will be delighted by the curiosity and caring natures of these adorable, adoptive, crime-solving siblings!" -- John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling writer and artist of InvestiGators

PRAISE FOR Horace & Bunwinkle: "Horace and Bunwinkle are a delightful pair. Sweet and funny, their antics will keep young readers eagerly turning the page." -- Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of Wedgie & Gizmo and The Imaginary Veterinary Series

PRAISE FOR Horace & Bunwinkle: "Horace and Bunwinkle are a delightful pair. Sweet and funny, their antics will keep young readers eagerly turning the page." -- Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of Wedgie & Gizmo and The Imaginary Veterinary Series

PRAISE FOR Horace & Bunwinkle: "Meet Horace and Bunwinkle, two unlikely friends and Pet-tectives! This funny, charming duo will leave readers eager for more." -- Bobbie Pyron, author of the award-winning A Dog's Way Home and critically acclaimed Stay

PRAISE FOR THE GREAT ZOODINI: "Readers will want to stay along for the ride and feel-good finale, ferried by a bighearted crew." -- Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR THE GREAT ZOODINI: "The schemes are wacky, and the animal characters are quirky yet endearing.... Adorable anthropomorphic exploits with emotional depth." -- Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE GREAT ZOODINI: "Full of heart and hijinks, The Great Zoodini is a heartwarming tale of finding family and freedom in the tradition of Chicken Run and The Great Escape!" -- John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling writer and artist of InvestiGators

PRAISE FOR THE GREAT ZOODINI: "A rip roaring tale filled with plenty of laughs, heartfelt emotion, and nonstop action--a guaranteed hit for readers who love funny adventure stories! -- Carolyn Crimi, author of Secondhand Dogs and Weird Little Robot

PRAISE FOR THE GREAT ZOODINI: "The schemes are wacky, and the animal characters are quirky yet endearing.... Adorable anthropomorphic exploits with emotional depth.""Hilarious animal antics and charming characters, woven with wit into a heartwarming tale of compassion and acceptance. A humorous and rewarding adventure about belonging and home." -- Celesta Rimington, author of The Elephant's Girl