Bo, the Famous Retriever — Lynn Sheffield Simmons

Bo, the Famous Retriever is about a six-month-old black Labrador retriever left in Mrs. Barnett's care while her son is in Alaska. The adorable Lab makes dramatic changes in the woman's life. He acquaints her with four energetic teenagers who help the senior citizen try to adjust to her new lifestyle. Mrs. Barnett quickly handles the pup's habit of chewing up shoes and running off with things. However, when Bo starts bringing home other peoples' belongings, she immediately telephones her son.

The calls become more and more frequent as the dog's extraordinary behavior prompts Mrs. Barnett into returning newspapers every evening, participating in community projects, making new friends, becoming a mentor to three teenagers, and helping the police chief solve a mystery.

The small town setting for the story is Argyle, Texas where Bo and Mrs. Barnett enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the people living there. Their friends and neighbors are actual names of real people living in the community.

The humorous book is warm hearted and uplifting. Readers from the upper elementary grades and up will enjoy reading it, for there is something in it for everyone.