MCTAVISH GOES WILD, by Meg Rosoff and Grace Easton, Candlewick, May 5, 2020, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 7-10)
A family learns to love the outdoors with the help of their dog in McTavish Goes Wild.
It’s summer, and the Peachey family is in crisis — again. Where will they go for their vacation? Betty Peachey thinks that camping is the answer, and Ma Peachey knows just the place. But Pa Peachey is convinced that terrible dangers lurk in the world of nature, Ollie only wants to know if there are dance clubs, and Ava would rather stay home and read German philosophy. Will rescue dog McTavish figure out how to turn the Peacheys into happy campers — and get them to brave the sparkling river and scenic mountainside before they pack up their tent and go home? —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
McTavish Goes Wild is the second book in Meg Rosoff and Grace Easton’s The McTavish Stories series, which features a rescue dog and his loopy but lovable family. I have not read the first book in the series, and it’s not necessary to read them in order. Although, the first book follows McTavish’s story as he joins the Peachy family.
McTavish Goes Wild is a sweet early chapter book that combines a fun story with engaging illustrations. The fact that McTavish appears to be pulling the strings gives the adventures a bit more edge and whimsy.
As the parent of a child in the target audience, I find McTavish Goes Wild to be right on level. Short chapters and family fun are just the sort of thing that currently appeal to her. At just over 80 pages, it’s just the right length for this reading group. This is a great summer read.
