CORGI CAN!

A celebration of puppy love and everything little ones can do.

Starring a cute, personality-filled Welsh corgi unostentatiously named Corgi, this rhyming board book is an ode to the developmental milestones that youngsters can take pride in as they learn how to move, speak, play, and behave. Each page highlights something that Corgi can do: sit, walk, dig, and run, to name a few. What’s more, Corgi does it all in style, sporting a bandanna, little cap, and even a raincoat. Each “Corgi can” statement sets caregivers and tykes up for the natural follow-up question, “Can you?” Like the text, the illustrations are patterned; all of the items Corgi wears or uses are blue, green, and yellow. The language is very simple and straightforward, and the cadenced repetition keeps the pages turning and makes the pace spot-on for the toddler crowd. However, it is Wu’s colored pencil illustrations, evoking the soft fuzziness of a dog’s coat, that really make this book appealing. Corgi’s face displays a range of emotions, from anticipation to a playful pout, and expressive ears and a subtle blush on the cheeks successfully vivify the frisky pup. Dog lovers will find this book irresistible, and readers will appreciate the lovely illustrations and age-appropriate simplicity.

Spot the Dog had better make room on the shelf for Can-do Corgi.