A man and his dog are tricksters - they thieve and con and play mean pranks on the townspeople. But one day, one of the new townspeople is kind to the dog and he realizes what they are doing is mean and wrong. This is such a sweet story about a dog finding a loving companion with a moral of how people can change.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

A story of a Duke and his dog, Tricky was a very entertaining story. My kids enjoyed the little pranks Tricky did but they knew it was wrong (they kept pointing it out). It was nice to see the turning point of Tricky. My kids notice how he seemed happier and kept asking about Tricky.
    It was a cute story and the illustration made it even better! I would recommend this story for any kids. It does make you reflect on how you treat people and it helps kids understand right from wrong. I love reading children's books with morality.

This is a little book about Duke and friend Tricky, the dog. They both likes prank and doing mischief. The lady at the bakery shop, Mrs Paisley, brought some change to this couple, even though she might not be wearing of it. She was kind and generous to Tricky, not as Duke. This changed Tricky. All the transition begin at this point. Tricky started to do mischief on Duke, and Duke, being merciless, simply throw Tricky out of his door ... I'll stop here not making it a spoiler.

Structural, the story is SOUND. obstacles for Tricky built and built, and everything pays off consistently in the story. The design of the story attracts the attention of the readers. and there are page that were designed to be hilarious, and surely they are ! Being both humorous and educational.

The illustrations are engaging, and the characters were well-designed. The illustrator used simple lines and a beautiful palette, to deliver everything effectively. This book would be a great addition to a library or classroom. It could start some interesting discussion among kids, about what to value.

Would highly recommend this book.

Clever story and lovely pictures, I did hope there would be more to it. Maybe a sequel to see what happens next?

I loved this story! So cute and satisfying. I loved how the dog turned the tricks around on his owner when he realized how bad the tricks could be.

The Duke and his dog, Tricky, play tricks on everyone all day long. Both of them have an incredible amount of fun doing so until one day when the new baker they played a trick on was kind to Tricky. Then he realized that what they had been doing was wrong. Tricky then started playing tricks on the Duke instead of to everyone else. The Duke hated this! He promptly shoved Tricky outside in the cold, wet rain. Tricky went back to the only place he had been treated well--the bakery. After watching the baker all day long, he followed her home. She made an excellent new owner for him. Eventually, the Duke learned his lesson and stopped tricking other people as well.

Good for older kid and preschool storytimes.

Tricky by Kari Rust is a picturebook about the Duke and his dog, Tricky. It is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2017. This pair spend their days making trouble. They cheat, steal, and play pranks on their neighbors, just for fun. But one day, somebody new comes to town and gives Tricky a treat that melts his mischievous heart, and sets him thinking about the effect his actions have on others. Inspired to change his ways, Tricky decides to set things right the only way he knows how with tricks! Tricky’s ploy might just lead The Duke to reconsider his ways.

Tricky is a great picturebook that shows Tricky and his master playing tricks on just about everyone. When someone shows Tricky kindness he starts to question what he has been doing. I like that The Duke shows that while he likes to play tricks he does not respond well to being on the other side, and Tricky learns not to play mean tricks of others. My favorite thing about this book is that it is the act of someone else being kind, rather than a harsh consequence, that helps Tricky see the error of his ways. Readers, even the youngest, will see that sometimes offering a simple kindness to others can make a big difference. They also get to see that more often than not, people that are being unkind can change or will often move on when things change in their lives. The stylized artwork and bold colors make the story pop off the page and feel a little more alive to the audience. I greatly enjoyed the read, and think it is both a fun read and one with a great message to share.

How delightful! Tricky and his owner The Duke like to play cruel jokes on the people in their town until one day, after a newcomer is kind to him, Tricky realizes that being nice feels better than being mean. This is a really sweet story with lovely illustrations. I love the Duke's classic, mustache-twirling-villain look and who doesn't love a story where the bad guys heart is won over with kindness?
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tricky, a dog, and his owner, Duke, play cruel tricks on others for run. When Tricky meets a kind baker, Ms. Paisley, he realizes that the tricks he and Duke have been playing are hurtful. When Tricky begins playing tricks on Duke, he kicks tricky out of the house. Trick, fortunately, goes to live with Ms. Paisley and is truly happy.

Tricky by Kari Rust is about Tricky,a dog, and the Duke, his human. In the beginning of the book they spend their days playing tricks on the townsfolk by tripping people, stealing, and cheating. Together they sleep well at night and awake the next day to do tricks on the townspeople again. 

Mrs. Paisley, is unaware of their behavior so she is perfect for their next trick. The Duke uses his charm to warmly welcome Mrs. Paisley to town while Tricky steals several loaves of bread behind her back. Unaware of their past thievery, Mrs. Paisley gives  Tricky a treat, which harms his heart. He then realizes his behavior with the Duke is wrong. 

Tricky wanted to show the Duke that what they were doing is wrong. He shows this by playing tricks on the Duke. The Duke eventually catches on and kicks Tricky out on a night which was rainy. Tricky goes to the bakery to protect it and Mrs. Paisley takes him in and loves him. The Duke realizes how much he misses Tricky when he tries to do the tricks by himself but they were not successful and leaving town. 

The illustrations are engaging and add to the tale. This book would be a great addition to a classroom library. The book will allow for conversations on values and virtues. I highly recommend this book.

I give this book 5/5 stars

I received this book from Owlkids Books and Owlkids via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone in town knows the Duke and Tricky. They cheat and steal. They are greedy and mean. They play unkind jokes on everyone in town.

When a new baker, Ms. Paisley, moves to town, she doesn't know to be wary of the two, so she gives Tricky a friendly pet and a special treat. Tricky has never known such kindness and it plants a happy feeling deep inside of him. That feeling grows and Tricky decides to change his ways. Tricky wants to make things right, but how can he when he only knows tricks?

With great illustrations and a delightful story of tricks, revenge, and change of hearts, Tricky will be an instant favorite!

The illustrations were great in this book. I liked that there was a lesson to be learned in this story. This would be a great book to read during kindness week at school, or for any parent.

I loved the artwork- it's expressive and has real style. I don't know about the topic or how it was dealt with, though. It just didn't quite gel for me.

Nice little story about finding your moral compass. My kids (3 and 6) didn't react or feel strongly about the book, one way or another. It was "ok."

Can an old dog learn new tricks? Tricky is the story of a dog and his owner, a trickster and con artist. Together the two wreak havoc all over town. The art has a very animated feeling with moments that feel like the could be still shots in a short film. Beautiful drawings and a sweet story.

Gorgeous illustrations and a funny synopsis make this book a must for any little one's library. Tricky is a dog who learned to do the bidding of his mean and tricky master, but when he starts to feel guilty, he decides to turn the tables on his owner!

"Tricky" is the skillful debut of author/illustrator Kari Rust. The story is that of Tricky and The Duke - a canine and human duo who play tricks across the town to avoid paying for their goods. When a new baker opens up shop and shows Tricky an unfamiliar kindness, he has a change of heart and turns his tricks on The Duke. The Duke evicts clever Tricky, but after one solitary night in the rain, the baker adopts the pup and all is well. While the text is a little heavy-handed (there is no inference needed to understand the moral of this story), children and adults alike will enjoy the tale. Rust's background in animation and distinctive style shines in the decidedly emotive illustrations. There is no excessive text, making this a good choice for preschoolers. The Duke is white and slim, the baker is plump with tan skin, and Tricky has a lovely chocolate coat. The time period isn't quite discernible. Let's hope we see much more from Rust in the future. Recommended!

Tricky and the Duke, his human, spend their days playing out dastardly deeds on the townsfolk and go home at night to laugh and scoff at their good efforts. They trip people, steal, and cheat. Accomplices together they sleep well at night and awake the next day to engage in even more mean pranks.

Mrs. Paisley, the new baker in town, is their next target. She is unaware of their buffoonery so she is perfect for their next schtick. The Duke uses all his charm and manners to warmly welcome her to town while Tricky steals several loaves of bread right behind her back. Unaware of their past thievery, Mrs. Paisley one day kindly offers Tricky a treat. This generous and kind gesture starts Tricky to question his whole ciminal lifestyle. No one has ever been kindhearted to him before and it moves his heart. He then discovers that what he and the Duke are up to is dead WRONG!

How is a dog to get that message across to his mean-spirited owner? He needs to show him that what they are involved in can no longer be tolerated? Well Tricky is very clever and he makes his point by playing tricks on the Duke himself. The Duke finally catches Tricky red-handed and gets very, very angry. On the miserable, rainy night that Tricky is exposed the Duke kicks him out of the house for his punishment. Where could he possibly go for shelter, comfort and acceptance? Any ideas?

The Duke, realizing his pet is gone forever and he tries to execute his dirty tricks all on his own but fails miserably. It's no fun alone and utterly pointless without his faithful canine companion-in-crime. Can he find redemption and change his ways finally leading to a respectable and honourable life like Tricky is now living? Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks?

The illustrations are engaging and add richness to the tale. This book would be a great addition to a classroom or school library and a perfect catalyst to spark conversations on values and virtues. I highly recommend this book.

This is a fun title. Tricky is the name of the dog, and he helps his master play tricks on people. Sometimes it stealing bread, and sometimes it tripping people. One day, the new bakery owner gives him his very first treat. And he wants more. He sets out to show his master that tricks are no fun. Maybe he can find a new way to be happy.

Tricky teaches us that you can teach a dog a new trick but sometimes their humans are a bit more stuck in their undesirable ways!