SKINNY BROWN DOG

After a scrawny stray wanders into his bakery, Benny the polar bear lures the well-dressed dog out with a piece of bread and the words, “A bakery isn’t anyplace for a dog.” But the aptly named Brownie continues to hang around, and the reticent Benny continues to feed him. It isn’t until Benny falls and breaks his leg and Brownie is refused admittance to the hospital (“A hospital is no place for a dog”) that the baker opens his heart and home to the heroic pet. Holt’s unassuming text is nicely structured and paced as she presents Benny’s reassuring routine and customers, including the menagerie of school children that embrace “Free Broken Cookie Day.” With varied placement, Saaf’s complementary, naïve-tinged illustrations will engage readers with color, texture, pattern and the friendly expression of emotions. A tasty treat for reading aloud that should get a rave reception. (Picture book. 5-8)