Walkies: A Dog’s Tale, by Estrela Lourenço, (May 2024, Page Street Kids), $18.99, ISBN: 9781645678717
Ages 4-8
It’s a miserable day outside, but that doesn’t stop Dog from wanting to go for a walk! Kid gets home from school and just wants to relax and stay dry, but Dog can be very convincing. Amusing moments that every dog person will recognize punctuate this adorable, wordless story that starts with a grumpy Kid reluctantly venturing out with Dog and turns into a sweet buddy tale. Digital illustrations feature an expressive kid, clad in a bright yellow raincoat, silently steaming as Dog sniffs every tree and dances in every puddle. As Kid spends more time away from his computer, though, he starts to appreciate the outside, rain or no rain: the animals in the trees, the simple fun of being with his Dog, who loves this time with Kid, and appreciating the world around him. When the rain clears up, Kid and Dog aren’t quite ready to call it a night… and go get Big Sister for some fun, too. The wordless story allows readers to take in the pictures and create their own stories. Expressive characters communicate easily with pre-readers and reluctant readers, and Dog will win over everyone. A joyful ode to pet ownership and reducing screen time.
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