This book gets credit for being somewhat original, and there are some nice elements to the story as a bulldog does his best to find ways to smile, even to the point of--well, you'll just have to see. The problem with the book is that the author really does not know how to draw a bulldog. Bulldogs are ugly in a cute way--this one is just hideous. ( )

Bubba wanted to make Rya happy. He wanted to smile. Since he was a bulldog his lips were so heavy he couldn’t make it happen. After Ryan broke his leg it became even more important for him to make Ryan smile. Read this book to discover what lengths this dog will go to just to smile for his owner. ( )

Bubba the Bulldog Tries to Smile
Ryan tries to get his dog to smile but to no avail. After he breaks his leg he just lies around in bed and Bubba tries to think of ways to make his face into a smile.
He tries many silly things and it's amazing what does work. He does get Ryan to smile and that makes him smile-wait'll you see how it is done. ( )

Bubba the bulldog just wants to smile for his human Ryan. Initially, it’s the promise of a much-coveted treat that drives his desire; but when Ryan breaks a leg in a skateboarding accident (Note to self: casts make for terrible chew toys.), Bubba’s quest takes on a new meaning: he hopes that a smile on his face will put one on Ryan’s. He searches corners far and wide for a solution, even going so far as to confront the much-dreaded broom monster in his travels.

Spoiler alert: Bubba blinks first. But he manages to hold his urine (just barely!), so there’s that. Minor victories.

Bubba the Bulldog Tries to Smile is an adorable book about an adorable (real-life) dog. Bubba will win over readers young and old with his snaggle teeth, ridiculous wrinkles, genetically frowny face, and flatulent behind. (Bulldogs, man.) Inspired by the author’s own dog friend, it left me wishing that I was more artistic, so I could create a similarly awesome tribute to my own dearly departed canine kids. (Kelly + Kaylee 5ever!)

One caveat: since this book is clearly aimed at younger readers, I hope parents and guardians will follow up with a discussion of proper dog care; for example, don’t wrap your dog friend in tape; appliances aren’t toys; and never drag a dog along by her leash. (Poor Bubba looks like he’s being strangled on the last page!)

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1AFPVQETNY56A/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm ( )