Glenn Mccoy

Penny Lee watches TV all day long and gives no attention to her dog, Mr. Barkley. When Mr. Barkley attempts to interest Penny in other activities, Penny Lee ignores him, so he resorts to other methods. Finally, when the TV stops working, Mr. Barkley helps Penny Lee find a repairman across town, and they play all the way to the repair shop. Penny Lee has fun all day long, learning that there is more to life than watching TV.

I love the story line of the book. Kids today often watch too much TV and they can identify with Penny Lee. There are no parents in the book to demand that Penny Lee quit watching TV, Penny Lee and Mr. Barkley. The pictures are simple cartoon like drawings that easily convey the emotions of the characters. I just had a second grade girl return it, telling me, "That's a good book," and I would agree. This would be a wonderful book to read with a younger child, or for older readers. The reading level is approximately early third grade.… (mehr)