“ 'The trouble with dogs,’ said Dad, 'is that they take over your life. Run the show.’ ” Two recent canine additions to the household, Rosy and Dave, have personalities as opposite as their appearances. Rosy is big and mellow, while Dave is small and wild. He wreaks havoc on a daily basis, ignoring his soft-hearted owners’ feeble attempts to rein him in. The day he steals a cupcake from a guest’s plate is the last straw. Kate and her parents consult the telephone directory, and soon the Brigadier arrives to train Dave. His sharp, no-nonsense commands demand Dave’s attention, but at the cost of the puppy’s spirit. “ 'The trouble is,’ said Dad, 'he’s lost his sparkle.’ 'The trouble is,’ said Mom, 'he’s lost his crackle and fizz.’ 'The trouble,’ said Kate, 'is the Brigadier’s lessons.’ ” When Kate informs the Brigadier that her family has elected to give up the obedience training to regain Dave’s high-energy affection, the man behind the mirrored aviator sunglasses shows that he, too, has a soft spot for the little dog. This sequel to “Let’s Get a Pup!” Said Kate (Candlewick Press, 2001) showcases Bob Graham’s extraordinary ability to capture the importance and humor of everyday family life in both story and art. Kate’s hip and laid-back parents, sporting tattoos and piercings, invite readers’ entry into their warm, welcoming home. Highly Commended, 2008 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 4–7)