Dreaming of Mocha

PreS-Gr 2-"Florence wants a dog. It doesn't matter what kind of dog." So opens a familiar story of a child's heartfelt wish for a furry companion, her parents' objections (paw prints, digging in the garden), and the appearance of an apparently homeless dog in her own backyard. Florence sneaks the pup into the house, but she can't keep him hidden for long. Despite her mother's initial shock, Mocha—a scruffy brown blur with a bright red collar—is allowed to stay until they can locate his owner. When Leon turns up to claim his dog, Florence is surprised to discover that he is "a sweet old man" and not "a villain." Swerts highlights the complexity of Florence's feelings: "She really wants to be happy for Mocha and Leon, but she just can't." Alternating full spreads and spot illustrations, van Lindenhuizen skillfully conveys the characters' emotions (human and canine) with tiny dots for nose, eyes, and mouth. In the end, the adults recognize the bond between Florence and Mocha and they arrive at a solution that makes everyone happy.