Mr
Walker and the Dessert Delight is closely followed by Mr walker Gets the Inside Scoop, another entertaining story about
the Labrador Ambassador that lives in the Park Hyatt Melbourne.
Henry Reeves, Mr Walker’s owner and his family are
heading off on a cruise they’d booked before the Labrador came to them. The dog
is directed to be helpful and on his best behaviour. Unknown to Henry,
important bookings have been made.
Jamie Gibson, a travel reporter, is coming to stay
to write a review of the hotel. Gibson is famous for publishing hard comments
that have cost several fine hotels their reputation.
All the staff is nervous.
They want to impress and guarantee a good outcome, so plans are enforced to ensure
there are no negative comments printed.
A boy from a country town is also expected at the
hotel for work experience, and a representative from a major newspaper will be
reviewing the Park Hyatt for their annual hotel guide. Three people that
simultaneously need attention are a challenge for Mr Walker and his friends.
Without any photographic evidence of who is who,
what follows is an incredible mix-up. Can Mr Walker correct things before it’s
too late? Will the inside view on the workings of the hotel prove the hotel’s high
standards? And, will the fact that it’s the camaraderie between the workers
that keeps things flowing smoothly be acknowledged? Or will the Reeves family
return to chaos?
As readers have access to Mr Walker’s thoughts, his
confusion at the human’s strange use of language in order to disguise their
conversations is extremely funny. Entertaining situations result in unexpected
solutions as Mr Walker always finds a way.
Sara Acton’s delicate and emotive black and white
illustrations visually enhance the simple text. They add that something special
to the story that engages young readers.
This is a great middle grade read for dog lovers
and even selective readers. Beautifully presented in gift-book style, the
interest of this story lies in the fact that it’s based on a real-life Guide
Dog Ambassador that actually lives at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne. This is the
third book in the series.
Title:
Mr Walker Gets the Inside Scoop
Author:
Jess Black
Illustrator:
Sara Acton
Publisher:
Penguin Random House, $14.99
Publication
Date: 7 May 2019
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781043793090
For
ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction
