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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog
Toby might have accidentally put a ham under his owner’s pillow. And caused a small revolution at the vet. Then there was that whole dog-napping incident. But he can explain. It’s all the cat’s fault.
80 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
About the author
Stephenie Wilson Peterson
13 books210 followersStephenie is the author of several books for kids. Stephenie and her family currently live near Raleigh, North Carolina, but she grew up just outside of Seattle. Stephenie writes, teaches creative writing, and homeschools her three amazing kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 15, 2022
My family was lucky enough to be chosen to read an advance copy of this book and we absolutely loved it! This is a must read for any dog loving family. You will be laughing and rooting for Toby as he takes on The (not to be trusted for second) Cat and gets into some silly shenanigans. This is a perfect light read aloud for younger kids and a fairly easy chapter book for readers who are gaining confidence for longer books. My boys are 8 and 11 and we read this book aloud in 2 sittings, enjoying every second. Stephanie Wilson Peterson's style appeals to my kids sense of humor and we look forward to reading more of her books in the future!
May 4, 2022
Oh my goodness how cute is this book! Toby has some mishaps all thanks to a neighborhood cat and his owner keeps calling him a bad dog! Poor Toby! This book is a short chapter book, which is excellent for beginning chapter/struggling readers to start with as the chapters are short, the language is accessible, and the story is engaging! The only thing that may trip up some kids is that he doesn’t call his owners Dad or Mom, rather he calls them HuDad/HuMom ( I’m guessing it’s a play on human but I’m not sure). Other than that will 100% recommend for young readers or readers who enjoy reading children’s literature!
May 5, 2022
This is a very cute story for early readers. I think it’s also a good book for parents to read with their kids, especially if you have animals. I love how a cat was added in as the protagonist to make it a story of both dogs and cats. Being a cat owner, I could relate to a lot of the mischief that this dog was tricked into completely. I think it’s a good story to tell to teach how not everything an animal, or kid, does is their own fault, but could be related to other causes. This, in my opinion, is a great story to teach cause and effect to our kids. I highly recommend it. I laughed a lot and found it to be very enjoyable.
April 13, 2022
The author sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The review is unbiased and my own opinion.
Read this story aloud with my kiddo, and he loved it! He was a bit frustrated with the ending, however. I must admit, I was also. We both enjoy definitive endings, and this was left more open ended, instead of gaining full closure. But I suppose more books could be written about the endearing canine named Toby, continuing on more adventures rather than only the ones written in this book.
Everything up to and through chapter 6 was a great read. Chapters 7 and 8 felt a bit unnecessary and sort of added for length (not to even mention the inclusion of "stranger danger" into a book about a dog, which I thought was a bit of an odd addition). Ending chapter could've been connected to the end of chapter 6 and it would have still flowed as a story.
I gave this book 4 stars because it is an overall great book, which my kiddo loved, and was an enjoyable read for us both!
Read this story aloud with my kiddo, and he loved it! He was a bit frustrated with the ending, however. I must admit, I was also. We both enjoy definitive endings, and this was left more open ended, instead of gaining full closure. But I suppose more books could be written about the endearing canine named Toby, continuing on more adventures rather than only the ones written in this book.
Everything up to and through chapter 6 was a great read. Chapters 7 and 8 felt a bit unnecessary and sort of added for length (not to even mention the inclusion of "stranger danger" into a book about a dog, which I thought was a bit of an odd addition). Ending chapter could've been connected to the end of chapter 6 and it would have still flowed as a story.
I gave this book 4 stars because it is an overall great book, which my kiddo loved, and was an enjoyable read for us both!
May 3, 2022
This was such a cute and sweet story that I was laughing and smiling at as I read! I think and know a lot of kiddos would get the same excitement and enjoyment as I did as I read. I love how Toby had to in more than ways than one prove himself against his feline roommate. I found this book had a lot of truth of how Toby was blamed and the cat, well was the innocent one. I also loved how the story seemed to have the moral of truth and honesty, and stand up for what is right. And of course to get along. Wonderful read! Loved it!
May 6, 2022
This is a super fun book that dog lovers of all ages can enjoy. Toby is a really good dog but this pesky neighborhood cat is set on making sure to make Toby look bad. She paws her way into his life and he just can't resist chasing her through the neighborhood. Then he gets picked up and ends of in a vet's office were some destruction takes place. He meets his new hu-mom and she loves him but Toby really doesn't like it when hu-dad goes to work. Toby really is a good dog, it just takes some time for his hu-people to see it!
I recommend this super cute read, especially if you have budding readers!
I recommend this super cute read, especially if you have budding readers!
May 6, 2022
5 Stars
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog is a cute children’s book that my four year old son and I loved reading. This is a short chapter story that we read in an evening. This is a story about a dog named Toby. Toby can be a bit mischievous at times. He also likes to blame others for things that he has done. . Join Toby and the pesky cat as they go on a adventure. I highly recommend reading this book and we can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog is a cute children’s book that my four year old son and I loved reading. This is a short chapter story that we read in an evening. This is a story about a dog named Toby. Toby can be a bit mischievous at times. He also likes to blame others for things that he has done. . Join Toby and the pesky cat as they go on a adventure. I highly recommend reading this book and we can’t wait to read more from this Author.
May 3, 2022
I really enjoyed the book about Toby. He really did try to be such a good dog but that sneaky cat who pretended to be his friend was anything but a friend. Every bad thing the dog did was because of the cat. Dogs have feelings. The love their humans and want to make them happy. Most dogs are very smart and know how to get out of certain situations and they know their humans will always love them even if they can be a “bad dog” great book for children learning how to read!
April 3, 2022
This engaging story is a perfect first chapter book for a new reader, but the story is so endearing, you will want to read it aloud together. Toby is a great dog-until a neighbor’s evil cat entices him into mischief. Poor Toby has no way to convince his HuDad that it isn’t his fault! Every kid who had ever been in trouble (and those who haven’t) will love this book.
April 12, 2022
My 8 and 6 year old boys read this book with me and we loved it! The aggrieved tone of the long suffering dog along with the snarky antics of the cat were hilarious, and the story progression was fun and bouncy. My boys (and I) would love to read more about Toby!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2022
This was such a cute and fun read!! Toby is a good dog who is led astray by the cat next door. He would not have gotten lost if the cat had not led him away from his house. He would not have stolen a whole ham and hid it under a pillow if the cat had not eaten his lunch. In the end, Toby learns his lesson…or does he???
May 6, 2022
The tale of Toby and the naughty cat! Toby just wants to be the Goodest boy and the neighbor cat, who tries to convince Toby to go on these wild adventures.
Toby just wants to explore the neighborhood, and the pesky neighbor cat gets him into all sorts of trouble. This book was amazing! Toby had the best life
Toby just wants to explore the neighborhood, and the pesky neighbor cat gets him into all sorts of trouble. This book was amazing! Toby had the best life
May 19, 2022
Oh this was such a fun book! Toby wants to be a good dog but The Cat next door just won’t let him. I read this book with my 10 year old and she absolutely loved and laughed so hard at the descriptions. It was very easy to visualize what was happening in the story. Highly recommend this book as a quick easy read aloud for families.
May 6, 2022
My daughter and I read this together and we loved it. Such an adorable story. The point of view is from the dog. I so wish Toby had been able to talk to his HuDad and let him know what was going on. Your children will love Toby and his adventures
April 11, 2022
The author sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Review is that of my own.
This was another adorable novel written by Stephenie! If you ever owned or knew of a cat, you will know how sassy they are. Mix in a dog and it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
And isn’t funny how dogs are always the ones to get blamed while the cats silently snicker in the background.
Young readers definitely will enjoy this cute story (especially because the word “poop” is mentioned - I can always imagine the giggles).
This was another adorable novel written by Stephenie! If you ever owned or knew of a cat, you will know how sassy they are. Mix in a dog and it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
And isn’t funny how dogs are always the ones to get blamed while the cats silently snicker in the background.
Young readers definitely will enjoy this cute story (especially because the word “poop” is mentioned - I can always imagine the giggles).
April 4, 2022
Poop in the purse and a horrid hairball -- I'm in love!
Toby is a very good dog who is tempted by an evil cat. Stephenie must be a dog psychic, this was an adorable easy read that children of all genders and ages will love. The illustrations are captivating.
A must buy!
Toby is a very good dog who is tempted by an evil cat. Stephenie must be a dog psychic, this was an adorable easy read that children of all genders and ages will love. The illustrations are captivating.
A must buy!
June 15, 2022
This is a great first chapter book for young readers. I'm an adult and I even enjoyed it quite a bit. The characters are funny and relatable. The story is intriguing and fun.
Toby is a good boy who loves time outside and the occasional trip through the drive-thru for some fries. One day, while outside enjouing the sun while his huDad was at work, he noticed a cat up on the fence. If you need proof that cat's are mischievious and perhaps a bit evil, then you need to check out this book.
Toby is a good boy who loves time outside and the occasional trip through the drive-thru for some fries. One day, while outside enjouing the sun while his huDad was at work, he noticed a cat up on the fence. If you need proof that cat's are mischievious and perhaps a bit evil, then you need to check out this book.
May 18, 2022
This was such a cute book! As an Early Childhood Educator who often sees school-aged children sometimes struggle to find an early reader chapter book that interests them I think this book fits perfectly for any animal lover, especially a child who has a cat or a dog (or both). I enjoyed that the chapters were short and easy to stop if a young child was having some difficulty and getting frustrated and I enjoyed the story overall!
I also think the story is relatable for kids because Toby was influenced by the next-door neighbour aka the cat which many kids can relate to with peer pressure in school but when reading it may not realise that’s what they are learning about which is a bonus in the eyes of a parent!
I will be recommending this book to family and friends as well as fellow educators working in the school system and parents wanting to help their kids succeed in reading!
I also think the story is relatable for kids because Toby was influenced by the next-door neighbour aka the cat which many kids can relate to with peer pressure in school but when reading it may not realise that’s what they are learning about which is a bonus in the eyes of a parent!
I will be recommending this book to family and friends as well as fellow educators working in the school system and parents wanting to help their kids succeed in reading!
June 10, 2022
My partner's review isn't showing up and now she can't leave one. She had more details because her review was written almost right after we read it aloud as a family. I can tell you that we all enjoyed it, especially my 4yo grandson, who needed to read for himself, rather than have it read to him. He did a great job (he's an early reader) and got such a kick out of the antics in the book. We're dog-lovers (and cat-lovers but the adults are allergic) so we know first-hand what mischief dogs can get into. He has since been found reading the book to our dog, Gracie, which was just so cute. He's too young to know the story of how we got Gracie, but, like Toby, she kept running away. She wound up at Animal Control too many times and a rescue group wound up rescuing her. We adopted her and she hasn't run away once.
May 12, 2022
This is a cute story about a dog and the cat that lives next door. Toby is a good dog until the cat next door tricks him into misbehaving and getting into trouble around the neighborhood while his humans are away. I thought Toby was an adorable character and I liked the idea of the cat and dog interactions. The ending was a little open-ended for my preferences, but maybe this means there will be a whole series about Toby. I have to warn you that if your child is sensitive like mine was, or some of my students are, this book is a little harsh with some of the things the cat does and the repetitive use of "bad dog" for Toby. I would definitely recommend this book for upper elementary students rather than younger ones.
May 5, 2022
A cute story about a dog that gets a visit from a mischievous cat. Each new visit brings a new adventure. These new adventures always seem to end badly for Toby, but this does not deter him from having a new one each time the cat tempts him.
This is an easy chapter read for kids. It is easy to follow and entertaining. The story moves along quickly, and each new chapter is a new adventure. The dog is a cute character, and it was enjoyable to see his emotions and thoughts. Although this is an entraining story, I feel that the character of the cat was a bit too nasty, especially when you have young minds that soak everything up.
This is an easy chapter read for kids. It is easy to follow and entertaining. The story moves along quickly, and each new chapter is a new adventure. The dog is a cute character, and it was enjoyable to see his emotions and thoughts. Although this is an entraining story, I feel that the character of the cat was a bit too nasty, especially when you have young minds that soak everything up.
May 6, 2022
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson. My family loved this book. I read it aloud to my 4 and 9 year old nephews. They both loved it but of course the 9 year old got more out of it. Its the perfect book for beginning readers as my nephew read some of it! Its of course the story of Toby the dog who gets into things. He has a few misadventures with the cat and tends to do things he shouldn't. The cat did seem to get away with everything and even when poor Toby wasn't guilty he got blamed! This story helps kids to realize that dogs have feelings too! This is the perfect read aloud book for the whole family. We can't wait to read another of her books!
May 4, 2022
This is a great enjoyable children's story. This is an engaging story about a dog who is mischievous. He does some things that he blames on others. This is a great story that will take you on a funny adventure. Toby is a fun character that brings the story to life. He is a very likable dog that can teach things to children reading this book. There is also a cat that seems to cause trouble. They are great characters which any child would like. Overall a great child’s story that I highly recommend.
May 5, 2022
Toby is a cute book for kids and adults. I love that it was written from the dog's point of view. I wish it had more art work, but perhaps that is a downfall of an e-book. I read it to my 6 year old who really enjoyed it. It was a bit long to hold his interest, so we spread it over a couple days.
The cat makes me think of the evil cats from Lady and the Tramp. Teasing the dog to get him in trouble. We laughed a couple times, as Toby is a very snarky and sarcastic little dog. My son felt so sad for Toby when he got in trouble, saying Poor puppy!
The cat makes me think of the evil cats from Lady and the Tramp. Teasing the dog to get him in trouble. We laughed a couple times, as Toby is a very snarky and sarcastic little dog. My son felt so sad for Toby when he got in trouble, saying Poor puppy!
May 5, 2022
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson
4 Stars
This is a great book to read aloud with the kids or for younger readers who are gaining confidence and starting to read longer books. Toby experiences some silly adventures because of the cat next door. The author did a good job showing how there are two sides to a coin. While humans may consider Toby’s actions as being a “bad dog”, Toby had “good” reasons for doing what he did. This is an endearing story that is fun and hilarious with the antics between cats and dogs. The kids will love it!
4 Stars
This is a great book to read aloud with the kids or for younger readers who are gaining confidence and starting to read longer books. Toby experiences some silly adventures because of the cat next door. The author did a good job showing how there are two sides to a coin. While humans may consider Toby’s actions as being a “bad dog”, Toby had “good” reasons for doing what he did. This is an endearing story that is fun and hilarious with the antics between cats and dogs. The kids will love it!
May 19, 2022
We got a dog four months back and I picked up this book because of its story . I could do relate to it . The author has captured the dog behavior and the human canine binding really well . It is a nice little book and very easy to read . Paul Ford rescues a stray dog and finds about how he got separated from his family . So he agrees to transport Toby back to the owners . The story is the travelogue of their adventures together as they travel to Illinois.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and could so relate to it . And surprise, our dog is a pitbull mix too !!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and could so relate to it . And surprise, our dog is a pitbull mix too !!
May 5, 2022
Cute sweet story for dog lovers (and more)
I adored this story, it had me in stitches. Toby is a gorgeous character who is battling against his feline neighbour. He is so easy to love and his ‘voice’ is one that kids will easily relate to. The author has written in a way that is accessible for children transitioning into chapter books. There is also an underlying message of honesty and trust. This would make a great addition to a home or classroom library.
I adored this story, it had me in stitches. Toby is a gorgeous character who is battling against his feline neighbour. He is so easy to love and his ‘voice’ is one that kids will easily relate to. The author has written in a way that is accessible for children transitioning into chapter books. There is also an underlying message of honesty and trust. This would make a great addition to a home or classroom library.
May 15, 2022
I absolutely love this story. I have a dog of my own his name is Sam and I completely relate to this story. When my dog hears something it's like the look on his face I can tell what he is thinking. I can understand how the dog is feeling when he is being told "bad dog". From the look on their face along with their body language, you can just tell that you hurt the dog's feelings. I will definitely be sharing this book with others.
May 17, 2022
This quirky and fun read was enjoyed by my 9 year old niece. There were plenty of face palms as we read along to Toby's quarrels with the neighbourhood cat. The story provided laughs, moments of nervousness, and a happy ending! It was an enjoyable "tail" throughout and provided the opportunity to expand a child's vocabulary as well. The biggest lesson we learned from this story is that all dogs are good dogs!
May 4, 2022
Toby the dog reminds me of my dog who likes to have the last say and explain away his antics. The story is intriguing and the animals are funny. I would recommend the story for children between the ages of 6 and 11 but I am sure that children and adults of all ages will enjoy this story. I enjoyed Stephenie’s humour.
I look forward to see what other adventures Toby gets up to.
I look forward to see what other adventures Toby gets up to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews