DOGS LOVE BOOKS, TOO

Who knew dogs fancied books?

The kids in this story speculate about why dogs might enjoy books. Perhaps pooches love the way the pages smell? Or the way the pictures taste? Or “the sound of wonderful stories read aloud”? Dogs might appreciate the opportunity to learn about faraway places. Or maybe the magic of books allows them to have “big, perfect dog dreams.” The children ultimately decide that maybe dogs love books for the same reasons humans do: because books “make us feel…Like we are not alone.” A youngster pipes up, “When I read with a dog or two or more, I don’t feel alone either.” This statement is accompanied by a very endearing illustration of the child reading to caged dogs at a shelter; some empty cages bear “Adopted” signs. That seems to be the heartfelt conclusion of this gentle tale: Books provide us with company. How could we feel lonely under those circumstances? And with a trusty doggo beside us, we’re certainly never alone. This sweet story, expressed in simple text and rife with conversation-sparking possibilities, will appeal even to kids who aren’t dog owners. Grown-ups should encourage children to volunteer reasons why they and their dogs love books. The lively illustrations, created on acetate layers painted with a brush and black acrylic paint, feature a limited palette of white, orange, and blues and depict racially diverse characters and a variety of dog breeds.

A delightful tribute to both bibliophilia and dogs.