OUR PUPPIES ARE GROWING

This newest entry in the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series examines the early stages of a puppy’s development, from gestation to approximately eight weeks. The story, narrated by a young girl whose dog is about to give birth, covers the major milestones of a puppy’s first few weeks: birth, opening the eyes, cutting teeth, walking, eating solids. Otto (What Color Is Camouflage?, 1996, etc.) offers pertinent facts about a puppy’s development in a simple, comprehensible format. Drawing on a child’s inherent fascination with puppies, she successfully combines information and entertainment; by stressing the utter dependence of the puppies on their mothers and human caretakers, she underscores the responsibility a puppy entails. Included at the end of the text are a list of suggested activities to enable children to further explore the world of dogs, while Morgan’s heartwarming illustrations capture both the tender and rambunctious sides of puppies. An excellent resource for new and prospective owners, as well as the merely curious. (Picture book/nonfiction. 3-6)