MAC'S BIG WISH
by Peter Vanderwall ; illustrated by Janis Lillian
A dog learns that each pup is special in their own way in Vanderwall’s debut picture book.
Mac is sure he’ll be adopted from Puddleton’s Pet Rescue, as Mr. Puddleton puts him in the front window where he’ll be seen by everyone. Roxy, a parrot, introduces him to an older woman, Emma, who wishes she could adopt Mac. A hunter adopts Sandy, a yellow Labrador, and a dog-show competitor chooses poodle Precious. Two runners choose greyhound Dash to be their racing partner. Mac doesn’t have the talents those dogs have, and soon, Mr. Puddleton puts new puppies in the window, making Mac fear that he’ll never find a home. Later, however, Mac realizes he’s great at being a good friend. Vanderwall builds the story well for newly independent readers, with simply structured sentences, repeated phrases, and fun sound words (squish-squash-squish, click-clack, squeak-squeak-squeaking). Emma’s visits to the rescue center each day will cause readers to be concerned, like Mac, when she stops coming in and to celebrate their reunion. Illustrator Lillian’s two-page spread of this event is also joyful. The painterly cartoon style allows for humanlike expressions on otherwise realistically portrayed animals’ faces, and the diverse cast of humans of varying skin tones, shapes, and ages is a delight.
A fine book for dog lovers featuring a strong lesson about the value of friendship.