A Coyote's in the House
By Elmore Leonard
Read by Neil Patrick Harris

      Antwan, a coyote, notices Buddy, a German Shepard, in a fancy yard, in the Hollywood Hills. Buddy calls to Antwan, invites him in the house. Buddy wants to trade lives with Antwan. He wants Antwan to live in his house while he runs with the gang (pack). When the family comes home, the young, snippety daughter discovers Antwan in the house. She yells, “There’s a coyote in the house!” Antwan escapes, but later returns as “Timmy.” The family adopts Timmy (Antwan). While living with them, Antwan comes to understand dogs and cats, but isn’t sure he will ever like their masters.

      The females in the storyline are Miss Betty, the poodle princess, Lola, the movie star cat, and Romana, Antwan’s sister. They get in the act when Miss Betty decides she doesn’t like Buddy being depressed. She wants him to feel like the hero he played in the movies. She creates a plan involving Lola. Antwan and Ramona help. (Lola steals the show during this thread of the storyline.)

      Elmore Leonard shares the tale of a wild coyote who swears never to be tamed by a master. He likes running with his gang. The story begins with Antwan talking to his gang, about the various dogs and their backgrounds. Antwan, Buddy, and the rest experience various adventures. There are fun and of course gross moments. Kids will love it.

     In a discrete approach, similar to Dr. Suess, Leonard uses descriptions and attitudes to express stereotyping, prejudice, and misunderstandings. And like Disney, he attempts to reach older readers with the occasional colorful remark or implied scene. Young readers won’t take much notice of it, but parents most likely will.

      Actor Neil Patrick Harris narrates A Coyote's in the House. He brings out the hip, jazzy personality of Antwan and the older, wiser tone of Buddy. But it’s with Miss Betty and Lola that Harris seems to have the most fun. I have to say, Lola is my favorite.