Description: With all the excitement of Christmas approaching, it's no surprise that Marley, the lovable pup from John Grogan's #1 "New York Times"-bestselling picture book "Bad Dog, Marley!," wants in on the action. But Marley always ends up on the wrong side of right.

Children's Literature Review: Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Grogan has parleyed accounts of life with his hyperactive Labrador Retriever named Marley into best-selling books for both adults and children. Now the dog is back, as the start of a fairly insubstantial tale Christmas tale. Cassie and Baby Louie are hoping snow will arrive before Santa does. Mommy suggests that they help Daddy and her with the traditional decorations. Marley joins in, and he is more of a hindrance than a help as he tangles with the lights, splatters paint, and almost overturns the Christmas tree. On the big day itself, Marley gets all tangled in the drapes. As the family rescues him, they see that snow did come after all. Cowdrey's illustrations are as bright and determinedly cheerful as the text; the style is altogether a bit Dick-and-Jane revisited. Even so, dog lovers and those who have enjoyed other Marley books are likely to enjoy the book more than once.