MERCI MISTER DASH!

Mr. Dash may be a mixed breed, but he is a most fastidious dog, well mannered, well dressed and very well behaved. Brightly colored acrylic paintings show Mr. Dash at his best: dressing for the day, thanking customers at the gift shop of his owner, Madame Croissant, and quietly snoozing at her feet. Only Sundays pose a problem—that’s when Madame Croissant’s granddaughter Daphne comes to visit. An active, red-haired wild child, Daphne insists on putting Mr. Dash in a variety of undignified situations, from dropping food on his head to wrapping him up like a baby. Unable to take it another minute, Mr. Dash unceremoniously removes himself from Daphne’s red wagon, only to hear her shriek in fear when she decides to ride it downhill. Will Mr. Dash find a way to save the day? Of course he will. “Merci, Mr. Dash!” Generously sprinkled with easily understood French phrases, this well-paced portrait of patience and toleration ends with a satisfying nap by the fire and the promise of a quiet, Daphne-free day. Children will empathize with Daphne and Mr. Dash and perhaps gain an understanding of both positions. A good choice to generate discussion, this will appeal to energetic youngsters and dog lovers alike. (Picture book. 5-8)