WHAT DOGS WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Fourteen dogs of different breeds get the opportunity to ask Santa for a special present in this beautifully illustrated celebration of canine Christmas wishes. Each spread showcases one dog of a particular breed in a Christmas setting, surrounded by a border of evergreen garland or holiday ribbon. The text is presented as postcards from the dogs to Santa, with each one set in a different typeface. Each message requests something useful or amusing for that particular breed, and the gift is integrated somewhere in the spread (a furry jacket for a tiny Chihuahua, for example, or a stretchy hat to help a basset hound keep his ears in line). The final spread shows an adorable black lab puppy asking for a loving home with a kind owner, and a closer look reveals that the puppy is actually being held in Santa’s gloved hands. Radzinski’s illustrations capture the expression and furry details of each dog, with careful attention to proportion and perspective. Dog lovers will find this a delectable Christmas treat. (Picture book. 4-7)