| Summary: | Borsky, Mary. Benny Benksy and the Perogy Palace. Illustrated by Linda Hendry. Tundra, 2001. ISBN 0-88776-523-8. $7.95. 120 pp. B 3-5 FI Reviewed by Mary Chapman Benny is the loveable, imaginative dog belonging to the Bensky family, who live in a small Canadian town. He is the companion-and sometimes babysitter-of the Bensky daughter, Rosie, and her friend Fran. It’s finally summer, and Benny is looking forward to fun with Rosie and Fran now that school is out. However, there is no summer holiday in store for Benny; for Mr. Bensky, hoping that Benny will get rid of some of his bad habits, like chewing the corners of the cushions and digging up houseplants, has enrolled him in Ms. Viola Pin’s obedience school. Poor Benny is disappointed about missing out on the summer fun and not at all thrilled about being under the instruction of mean, bitter Viola Pin. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Bensky are having problems of their own. No one is eating at their once popular Perogy Palace, a restaurant that serves perogies-soft dumplings usually filled with cheese and potatoes. The Benskys can’t figure out what has made the perogies taste bad until Benny, along with Rosie and Fran, stumble onto the solution and become local heroes. This story will appeal to young readers, who should be able to relate to the pleasures and problems of Rosie, Fran, and even Benny. Borsky reveals Benny’s imagination, giving the reader an idea of what may go through a dog’s mind when he digs up a plant or licks melted ice cream off the sidewalk. This is a humorous story, and the relationship between humans and their pets is charmingly depicted. Also, a recipe for perogies is included at the end of the book. 120 p. : ill. 20 cm. Children's Book and Play Review, January / February 2002
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