The Horn Book Guide

PRESCHOOL

James, Simon

Mr. Scruff

32 pp. | Candlewick | September, 2019 | Trade ISBN 978-1-5362-0935-8 $16.99

(2) PS Crisp text and joyous art show that the bond between a dog and its person can defy assumptions. After a montage of happy pet/owner look- and sound-alikes, the rhyming narrative introduces a lonely rescue pup: "For Mr. Scruff there's no one." A small boy named Jim visits the shelter and meets old, large Mr. Scruff. "And though it doesn't rhyme, / it's all worked out just fine." This seemingly simple tale offers lots of discoveries and insights.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019