Book Bundles: Animal Love

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ishaa Lobo. With a refrain of “thank you for,” this wholehearted shout-out to our canine companions (the narrator addresses them directly) enumerates their physical attributes to celebrate what makes them so simpatico with humans. Although some companion pooches (including one with a disability) are acknowledged in the warm-and-fuzzy digital illustrations, service dogs also receive literal and figurative pats on the back. A grief therapy dog, a courtroom support dog, and a future assistance dog are among the sung heroes featured in the artwork. Human characters are racially and ability diverse. The closing double-page spread offering an aerial view of a dog shelter’s fundraising event explicates the concept of gratitude in action. Back matter educates readers about therapy dogs.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ellie Arscott. Cree, a young Nehiyaw girl, never fails to marvel at the neat stuff her vivacious aunt collects from garage sales. But this time, Auntie has brought a surprise from the reservation where she lives -- a surprise that growls and sniffs. Unable to guess what it is, Cree is delighted when Auntie reveals a “rez puppy.” Nehiyaw people consider dogs their relatives, Auntie explains, and describes the integral role they have historically played in Nehiyaw communities -- providing protection, furnishing warmth, and transporting goods. Cree learns the importance of caring for bowwows with heart and hands, then chooses a Nehiyaw name for the new family pet. Arscott’s sunny hand-drawn illustrations incorporate comic-book elements, such as speech bubbles and emanata. O’Watch’s conversational text includes Nehiyaw words with English translations alongside.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ashley Barron. A racoon is panic-stricken after taking a spill down a chimney. During a nighttime car ride, a family is startled when a moose sallies out onto the road. A chipmunk is brought to bay in a rainspout by its feline predator. In the fifteen short narrative poems in this picture book, racially diverse children and their caregivers unexpectedly come face to face with undomesticated critters, some imperiled, and choose to show them kindness and respect. A closing poem observes each animal’s whereabouts following their human encounters. Ruddock’s evocative rhyming verses and Barron’s textured cut-paper-collage illustrations convey both the vulnerability and power of wild creatures. Readers will warm to the wisdom of giving wildlife their space. An eloquent exemplum of animal ethics that avoids preachiness.

Reviewer: Summer Edward