THE COSTUME PARTY

After a long rainy spell sets her five bull terriers to tearing up the house, Madame Coco decides to divert them with a costume party. Naturally, being true dogs, they dive in enthusiastically, sewing their own outfits, putting up decorations and sleeplessly waiting for the fun to start. Come the day, it’s a terrific party, with exciting games, delicious doggie snacks—and a prize (which everyone wins, because Madame Coco can’t decide) that turns out to be Oscar, a chubby new feline friend. All decide to do it again next year. Chess sets this canine fete among Victorian furnishings, putting the dogs on their hind legs, mostly, and dressing them as flowers, butterflies, a shark, a pirate and like conceits. Not a bad way to while away some stuck-indoors time. (Picture book. 6-8)