Buster's Scandal (Tales of the Barn Owl Bard)

Reviewed by Lois J Wickstrom for Readers’ Favorite (4 Stars)

Buster’s Scandal (Tales of the Barn Owl Bard) by Timothy Swiss is the fourth in the series and is a story any dog lover will recognize and smile about. The family is about to enjoy a steak grilled in the backyard. They rhapsodize. They anticipate. They salivate. The author loves his family, including his dog Buster, and has fond memories of this event from his childhood. Everybody who has a dog knows what will happen – the fun is all in the telling. Dad sits back and closes his eyes. Buster spies his chance. The entire family gives chase. Dad is the hero. After a good washing, the steak goes back on the grill. The family says they’ve never had one so tasty! They give Buster all the credit. I think that the healthy chase just whetted their appetites all the more.

Timothy Swiss’s photographs enhance this tale of family togetherness and dog escapades. I have a dog like Buster. My dog can fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Anything that might be tasty is fair game. I easily identified with the family in this story. If my dog understood English, she would love the story, but she wouldn’t understand why humans always win. The expressions in the photos of Buster’s face are just right for a greedy pooch. I almost felt sorry for Buster when he lost his stolen steak, but four humans wanted it more. Buster’s Scandal (Tales of the Barn Owl Bard) is a romp that any dog-loving family will enjoy. Better luck next time, Buster.

End of review by Lois J Wickstrom

Like all Tales of the Barn Owl Bard, Buster’s Scandal is the humorous presentation of a real-life experience. A beloved beagle turns a family cookout into an unforgettable brouhaha. This comical story is featured through twelve verses of metered and rhymed poetry.