Stanley’s back, but in this, the latest in the popular series with the delightfully comic dog’s-eye view of the world, the boisterous canine has to deal with trouble he didn’t cause.

Stanley’s trouble takes the form of Fluffy, a feisty tabby cat. Fluffy is an unwelcome presence in Stanley’s cosy world, and, of course, she doesn’t understand dog talk. But Stanley is affable, and does his best to make friends with his new “sister.” Unfortunately, despite his attempts to communicate with growls, a few friendly licks, and wild chases around the house, Fluffy is not impressed – and neither are Stanley’s “people.” Consequently, Stanley ends up in the proverbial dog house.

Frustrated, Stanley turns to his friends for help. This motley bunch of mutts lends another layer of character and humour to the story with dog-centric logic about Stanley’s predicament: who else would understand how difficult it is not to chase a cat? Finally, after one last, rejected attempt at becoming friends, Stanley gives up, only to have Fluffy snuggle up against him and start to purr.

Linda Bailey has great comic timing, and Stanley, a character Bailey based on her own dog, is goofy, endearing, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Fluffy brings a new energy to the series: she doesn’t say much, but her standoffish behaviour proves the ideal foil for Stanley’s good nature. Bill Slavin’s textured acrylics saturate the pages and breathe life into Stanley and his sidekicks, creating a canine – and now partly feline – world of mayhem and fun.