I Love Dogs!

PreS-Gr 2—"Dogs, dogs, dogs," chants a red-haired boy with a large, round head and striped shirt, as he strolls through the park on a sunny day. During his walk, he encounters all sorts of canines. No matter their size, shape, personality, or breed, he adores them. The boy makes note of the different varieties he meets, from "strong dogs" and "long dogs" to "shaggy dogs" and "waggy dogs." On his journey, he passes several signs advertising an adopt-a-dog program. Finally, he reaches the street and eagerly heads into the local pet store. As the proprietor hands him his own smiling pup, the boy says once again, "Dogs, dogs, dogs. I love dogs!" Staake's dynamic digital illustrations add energy and humor to the rhyming text. Each spread depicts a number of pups enjoying a romp in the park. All of the canines are bursting with unique personality and their owners are just as diverse as their pets. In the middle of all the action, the boy cannot contain his delight as he moves from page to page. Pair this exuberant title with Jane O'Connor's The Perfect Puppy for Me (Viking, 2003) or Wanda Gag's classic Millions of Cats.—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA