Children's book: The Fast Sooner Hound

Overview
Arna Bontemps' The Fast Sooner Hound is a lighthearted children's tale centered on a remarkable family dog named Presto. Told with a gentle laugh and affection for small-town life, the story celebrates animal antics, family affection, and the kind of tall-tale humor that delights young readers. The narrative moves briskly, matching Presto's own restless energy, and invites readers to enjoy the gap between everyday expectations and the larger-than-life feats a beloved pet can perform.

Plot
Presto is introduced as a hound unlike any other in his town: impossibly swift, endlessly curious, and always in the middle of whatever mischief is afoot. Episodes of his speed, chasing, racing, and sometimes outpacing the grown-ups, form the backbone of the story. These incidents are playful rather than threatening; they create comic situations that show both the trouble Presto makes and the warmth he brings to his human family.
As the tale unfolds, neighbors and townspeople respond to Presto's antics with a mix of frustration and admiration, and the hound's reputation grows until he becomes a local legend. Rather than focusing on a single action-packed climax, the book strings together a series of humorous vignettes that build a portrait of Presto's personality and the affectionate chaos he introduces into family routines. The resolution reinforces the family's unconditional love and the community's willingness to forgive and even celebrate a creature who brings so much character to their lives.

Style and tone
The Fast Sooner Hound uses a conversational, playful voice that suits readers of early elementary age. Bontemps employs a rhythm that enhances the comedic timing of Presto's escapades, often stretching descriptions into the territory of tall tale to match the hound's outsized abilities. The humor is warm and genial rather than mean-spirited; jokes land through exaggeration and the gentle absurdity of situations, inviting readers to grin at the contrast between adult exasperation and childlike delight.
Sentence rhythms and word choices are straightforward and energetic, keeping the pacing lively. Dialogue and narrative aside, the book leans into repetition and cumulative detail to build momentum, techniques that make it especially fun to read aloud. The result is an accessible, entertaining read that captures the exuberance of a pet who refuses to be ordinary.

Themes and appeal
At its heart, the story is about affection, community, and the small dramas that make family life memorable. Presto's speed becomes a vehicle for exploring loyalty, identity, and the way a single mischievous presence can knit people together. The book also celebrates imagination and storytelling itself by treating everyday incidents as if they were legendary feats, encouraging children to see the extraordinary in the commonplace.
The Fast Sooner Hound endures as a favorite for readers who enjoy humorous animal tales and homespun charm. Its blend of spirited narrative voice, memorable central character, and warm humor makes it a satisfying read for storytime or for children discovering the pleasures of comic storytelling on their own.