BROADWAY BARKS

In 1998, Peters and Mary Tyler Moore founded Broadway Barks, an annual pet “adopt-a-thon” in the theater district of New York City. Peters here offers the story of a scraggly, gray dog living in Central Park who is befriended by a lady with long, curly, red hair (Peters herself of course, though not specifically identified in the text). The dog narrates the tale, describing how the kind woman takes him by taxi to a theater where he observes the Broadway Barks show. The dog has his turn on stage, where he attempts to sing and dance in his own way, and he is chosen for adoption by a little girl who appreciates his talents. The story is simple but humorous, artfully complemented by Murphy’s delightful mixed-media illustrations. A CD is included with Peters reading the text and singing an original song written for her own dog. Author royalties from this not-too-self-aggrandizing and wholly goodhearted offering go to Broadway Barks. (Picture book. 3-7)