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- author Jackie French

Monday 7 October 2019

Review: Mr Walker Gets the Inside Scoop

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