I don't think the title of this helps – but when you see what it really means it's an obvious one. Buzz is a dog gifted to a new family by an elderly owner, and happens to be part sausage dog, part wolf. Determined to show his best side to get to stay with the new family – Mum, Leo the eight year old and toddler Britney – he starts by letting the wolf side be prominent, but that doesn't work, so he tries to be more sausage – and that doesn't work either. As they both seem problematic, perhaps he'd better rein both in?

Oddly he does all this with the helping words of his own friendly mouse, not that any of the humans actually realise they've kind of gained two pets in one. So you can see what the book's trying to do – prove the benefit in being naturally yourself regardless – but it's a touch unusual and almost clumsy, like the title. It's certainly helped by the fact the illustrator has a sausage dog in real life, for the art is strongly characterful. But I didn't think the text was clear, logical or grabbing enough to make this a true winner. Three and a half stars.

Buzz Sausage Wolf has a new family,
He is a loving dog but he is not sure how things work with his new family and in his new home and he feels a bit insecure.
The events are described in a way that tells us how the dog perceives them.
The characters and the art style are sweet.
The message and the themes are lovely.