TWO BROTHERS, ONE TAIL

The unconditional love and companionship between a boy and his dog are celebrated in a poetic ode.

Though physically different in obvious ways—one has two hands, the other four paws; one has 10 fingers, the other 10 claws—emotionally, they are one and the same, with an inseparable affection for each other. Throughout the day as they lie on the grass together, share an ice cream, sing and croon a tune, enjoy a car ride, run and play, and eventually wind down with a good read in bed, the unnamed dark-haired, beige-skinned boy and the beagle remain devoted to each other as playmates, friends, and, yes, brothers. Minimally detailed, curved pencil drawings with digitally added color and texture achieve a bold outlined style and provide sweet visuals with a flat perspective. The rhymed text of short quatrains mostly reads aloud with ease. “Two brothers one coat / Two brothers with hair / Two brothers one sheds / Two brothers who cares!” Devoted dog owners who encourage a siblinglike relationship between child and pet will readily identify.

A gentle and loving illustration of the absolute bond between a boy and his canine buddy.