About the Book The Duke and his dog, Tricky, cheat, steal, and play cruel-hearted pranks on their neighbors, just for fun. But one day, after somebody gives Tricky a treat that melts his mischievous heart, it sets him thinking about the effects his actions have on others. Full color. 10 x 8. Book Synopsis The Duke and his dog, Tricky, spend their days making trouble. They cheat, steal, and play cruel-hearted 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! Trickys ploy might just lead The Duke to reconsider his ways. Stylized cartoon-inspired art adds a distinctive mood and humor to this fun debut picture book about empathy, revenge, and reform. Review Quotes Despite the clear demarcation of good and evil, debut talent Rust avoids smarminess with lots of slapstick energy, and by not insisting on Dukes conversion at the end (although she does hint at reform).-- Publishers Weekly Heartwarming and humorous, kids are going to love hearing this debut picture book. It is fun to read out loud, and its illustrations will have little ones giggling as it is shared.-- Sals Fiction Addiction The animated illustrations are especially deft at showing small shifts in body language, making even the nasty Duke somewhat endearing....promising.-- Kirkus Reviews Their story is ultimately one of kindness and reform, so hilariously told that kids wont realize theyve absorbed a behaviour lesson. Now thats a good trick.-- Booklist This book is a delight to read, with a fast-paced and amusing story. An added advantage is that it presents a life lesson in a light-hearted manner. Tricky is a book for all childrens collections.-- Canadian Review of Materials This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that eloquently teaches a valuable lesson... Recommended.-- School Library Connection This powerful story about kindness versus unkindness is a must-have for all libraries.-- School Library Journal About the Author KARI RUST is a debut book author/illustrator with a background in character animation and design. Her hand-drawn, limited palette, digitally-colored images are full of warmth, style, and humor. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Kari lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.