Loula panics when she overhears Mama saying, “I can't live with that ... that MONSTER anymore!” She knows Mama must be talking about Mister, Loula's beloved dog, who can be “a little too messy, a little too clumsy and a little too hungry ... a LOT of the time.” Loula tells Mister, “If you don't stop with the bad manners, Mama will throw you out, like an old pair of shoes!” And what would Loula do without Mister? She's just going to have to find a way to transform Mister the monster “into the most perfect little dog no mama can resist.” But will lessons at Loula's School of Good Manners be enough? Or will the job prove to be too big, even for Loula?

This endearing picture book from award-winning creator Anne Villeneuve is the third story about Loula, a charming and spirited little girl destined to be a classic heroine. The warm and witty narrative combined with the emotion, energy and clever details packed into the ink and watercolor illustrations make for a perfect read-aloud. Loula's unique blend of imagination and enthusiasm in response to her problems offers an empowering model for children. This title would be an excellent choice for character education lessons on taking initiative and exhibiting resilience in facing up to difficulties. Also, the sweet relationship between Loula and the ever-patient Gilbert --- the family chauffeur, who assists with her dog training --- is a tribute to the power of positive adult attention.

Anne Villeneuve has written and illustrated close to 40 books, created games for magazines, illustrated for newspapers and designed cake boxes for a bakery. Over the years, her work has earned her many distinguished recognitions, such as the Governor General's Literary Award and the Québec/Wallonie-Bruxelles Literary Award in 2000, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2005 and 2009, and the Mr. Christie's Book Award in 1998.

Anne Villeneuve's profile page

• Winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre - Canada

Young readers will find delight in the escapades of Loula and Mister while older readers can enjoy the attention to detail in the illustrations and the witty dialogue.—CM Magazine

This title nicely pairs with discussion of manners or avoiding false assumptions.—School Library Journal

Villeneuve's charming watercolor-and-ink illustrations show how devoted Loula and Mister are to each other and playfully depict their comic antics.—Booklist

Ample opportunities for discussing and predicting...—School Library Connection

Like a stinky dog-lick on the nose, this simply silly picture book will bring smiles to little faces.—Kirkus Reviews

... Anne Villeneuve's adorable French-tinged series with vintage feel.—Quill & Quire