The Fairview Review: Virtual Book Tour How to Be Best in Class

ABOUT THE BOOK

Written and Illustrated by Lorena M. Proia

Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Self Published D.B.A. PnM Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9885730-1-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Obedience class is hard. Especially if you don’t do things like the other dogs do. Phebe’s flair for drama isn’t appreciated by her classmates, and when Rae says, “Come!” she stays. When she says “Stay!” she comes.

Seeing the world a little differently than everyone else makes it easy to be misunderstood. Rae wants Phebe to fall into line, but Phebe can’t help but be herself.

Will Phebe ever learn to be a perfect pup?

LINK

Join the Kickstarter Army: https://www.lorenaproiabooks.com/kickstarter

MY REVIEW

Rae is an artist, and a scientist, and a doctor, and sometimes even a chef. Readers first encountered her in How to Make a Sandwich, where they saw her lecturing her cat Nero about the importance of all the ingredients. That is also where the lovable dog Phebe made her debut - stealing sandwich ingredients when Rae wasn’t looking! So perhaps it isn’t a big surprise that Rae has signed Phebe up for “Perfect Pups” obedience class at the dog park.

We see Phebe bowling over the other kids and pups as she runs into class. The other students wind up in a pile with a white poodle giving Phebe some definite side-eye. When the trainer suggests a halter to keep Phebe from pulling, Phebe falls to the ground with one paw draped across her eyes and plays dead until the halter is removed. “They also didn’t appreciate her flair for drama.”

Each activity brings a new chance for the students to shine and for Phebe to do things in her own way. Just when it seems they will be obedience school washouts, it is time to play fetch and all the other dogs have trouble - they won’t go get the ball, or they won’t let go of the ball, or they drop it halfway back. “Phebe saw problems differently than everyone else. And Phebe solved problems differently than everyone else.” After Phebe finally has a chance to shine, Rae tells her, “You know, Phebe, you don’t need to be a perfect pup to be perfect to me!”

As in the previous book, Rae may get exasperated and Phebe may not have perfect show-dog behavior, but they understand each other and appreciate each other. Isn’t that what friends and family are all about? This is a perfect book for existing fans of Phebe, and also for those who enjoy stories of home (family, pets, everyday activities) with a touch of humor and perhaps a gentle lesson to learn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorena M. Proia is the author and illustrator of the award-winning How to Make a Sandwich. She splits her time between being a city mouse just outside of Boston and a country mouse in the Berkshire Mountains. When she’s not drawing or designing, she’s hiking or playing Dog Agility with her two Australian Shepherds.

You can find out more about her, Phebe, and her books at www.lorenaproiabooks.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 29, 2026

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of How to Be Best in Class

Friday, January 30, 2026

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of How to Be Best in Class

Monday, February 2, 2026

The Fairview Review

Book Review of How to Be Best in Class

Tuesday, February 3, 2026