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The paths of a stray dog and a determined boy cross in this heartwarming, wordless picture book. The reader is introduced pre-title page to a sweet-faced, spotted white dog who seems to have been abandoned. He rummages through trash, dodges cars, and takes shelter in a cardboard box, ears and tail drooping. The central narrative then shifts to focus on a white boy who, based on his bedroom décor, is a big dog lover. But when he asks his dads for a dog, they point out his incredibly messy room. Is he really ready for such a responsibility? Dragging a red leash (the only colored object in the art) behind him, the boy sets out to prove that he is worthy. Rain or shine, he takes regular walks with the leash, even pretending to pick up after his imaginary dog, until one day he passes the spotted stray and patiently wins its trust. Dreaming now of this dog, the boy steps up at home, helping with chores and cleaning his room. Finally, he gets the okay from his dads. He’s momentarily crestfallen to find the dog’s box empty, but dog and boy are joyfully reunited at the animal shelter—and it’s happily ever after from there. The wordless narrative is clearly communicated via detailed black ink drawings that are a pleasure to pore over. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center    

Illustrated by Henry Cole

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 3-7
Age Range: Babies/Toddlers (birth – 3) PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: Pets Responsibility Wordless Books
Diversity subject: LGBTQ Family

Publishers: Scholastic, Scholastic Press
Publish Year: 2022
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781338784046
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Cole

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