PILLOW PUP

A rambunctious game of chase quickly ensues when a mischievous pup makes off with her owner’s pillow. Across the hall and throughout the house the four-legged thief races as a tow-headed tot follows in hot pursuit. Even when the owner catches the purloining pooch, there is still fun to be had, with the pillow becoming the spoils in an exuberant game of tug-of-war. Ochiltree’s (Ten Monkey Jamboree, 2001) bustling verses are just right for very young audiences; the internal cadence of the rhymes makes this a perfect tale for read-aloud sessions. The simply worded verses are filled with wry word play and humor. “My dog, Maggie, / is a pillow-pulling pup. / She pulls my pillow down / and chews my pillow up.” Complementing the playful text are d’Allancé’s (Bear’s Christmas Star, 2000) softly colored, pastel illustrations. Full-page spreads in an array of dusky hues are warmly inviting, welcoming readers into the fun. Lively drawings of the frisky pup as it scampers across the pages deftly depict all the chaotic fun a pup on the run can create. Lots of appeal—even for cat people. (Picture book. 2-5)