HOWLER

A dog’s-eye view of family changes. Having looked on tolerantly as one of his human pets, Cindy “started getting bigger outwards” and eventually brings home a small, loud addition he dubs “Howler,” the canine narrator is dismayed to discover that he’s no longer the center of attention. So he gets friendly with Ruff Ruff, the pooch next door, and soon he’s the father of five “Rufflets”—“I thought they all ought to be called Small Me, but I wasn’t asked.” Still, his bruised ego is soothed when the humans all leave Howler snoozing peacefully, and come running to “bark” excitedly over the puppies. Layton’s quick brushwork and scribbly lines further brighten this lively, equally droll follow-up to Rover (1999). (Picture book. 6-8)