PAINTER AND UGLY

From a veteran Iditarod chronicler (Akiak, 1997, etc.) comes the tale of Painter and Ugly, two young sled dogs and dedicated friends. Rich, textured oils show the dogs as they run and play within a snowy Alaskan landscape, spending all of their time together until the fateful day that they are separated and sold to different owners. Painter misses Ugly and is lonely in his new surroundings, but he is a strong sled dog at heart and trains hard with his new team. On the day of the Junior Iditarod, a race in which the mushers are teens, Painter recognizes Ugly’s scent before the teams take off. Is there a way the two can reconnect? Blake’s timing is just right in his description of the race, and tension builds as the two dogs lead their teams through the wilderness, working hard and hoping to see each another again. An engaging tale of friendship, loyalty and separation, this will appeal to fans of the author’s earlier work as well all readers who enjoy a suspenseful story with a satisfying end. (Picture book. 5-8)