Review of Z is for Zoom by Ashley Parlett Malec

From the experiences of a female NASCAR mechanic comes a book to teach kids (and grownups) the basics of cars, trucks, and things that go!

A is for Alternator
B is for Boost
C is for Combustion Engine

From automatic transmissions to drive lines and from suspension to Zerk fitting and everything in between, Z is for Zoom is a colorfully simple introduction for babies―and grownups―to automotive parts, mechanical terms, and what makes their favorite vehicles go vroom! Written by an expert, each page in this auto mechanics primer features multiple levels of learning so the book grows along with your little gear or motorhead!

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**My thoughts**

This was a fun and very unique children's book, as it takes you on a mechanical alphabetical journey. Learn about the different parts of the car and how the car actually works. It's perfect for kids who love cars and even this adult learned a lot of new things. The illustrations are cute. I would love to have a version with real pictures, though, to really cement what these parts all look like on a real car and be even more informational as a nonfiction book. But that's probably more to help me to better understand my own car. I can also see using this with a kid to learn about letters and sounds, especially one who has not shown interest in other methods.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Postcards From a War by Vanita Oelschlager

Postcards from a War is about a boy whose mother has recently been deployed overseas to a war. His grandfather, who was about the same age when his father left to serve in World War II, helps him understand why she has gone away. He shares with his grandson postcards and letters sent by his father from the Philippines. The grandfather and grandson collaborate on building a scrapbook that will include these, plus the letters and emails and other communications the boy will get from his mother.

Postcards is intended for 4-8 year olds, ones who are old enough to understand that a parent in the military may have to go to a dangerous place, but maybe not why. It shows the important intergenerational bonding that families often experience during times of war.

The postcards and letters in the book were received by the author from her father during World War II.

Book Links

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**My thoughts**

I have a lot of interest in all things WWII, so this book really piqued my interest before I even started it. And then realizing that it is pretty much based on a real story made it that much more fascinating.

Matthew doesn't quite understand why his mother had to go off to war and is really struggling with a multitude of feelings about it. He turns to his grandfather for advice. His grandfather tells him stories of his own father having to go off to WWII and how he kept in touch with his family while he was away. 

I love the history of this book. It talks a bit about what happened during the Second World War, while also showing  the letters and postcards that were sent home to the children. So you catch a glimpse of history that kids don't often get to experience. And then there is a bit of commentary for contemporary kids about the mixed feelings about war and how they may be the hope to bring about world peace some day. It's a good history tool and could inspire some good old-fashioned letter writing in kids who read it.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Tiny Travelers Mexico Treasure Quest by Wolfe & Jaramillo

The Tiny Travelers “Treasure Quest” Series takes its readers on a fun-filled journey to discover what makes each country special with search-and-find features on every spread.

In Tiny Travelers Mexico Treasure Quest, readers journey from the mariachi-filled plazas, to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan. From the Lucha Libre ring, to the flower filled boats of Xochimilco, Tiny Travelers will enjoy getting closer to Mexican culture making magical discoveries along the way.

Each illustrated spread invites children to discover hidden "treasures" - icons, animals, statues, instruments and more - that make up the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

Book Links

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(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

As with the other books in this series, illustrations are quite bright and vibrant, eliciting thoughts of fun and happiness as we make a quick tour around Mexico. Learn about the celebrations and festivals with a quick stop to some ancient ruins and a quick taste of traditional Mexican foods. As always, you have vocabulary words in the country's language along with a pronunciation guide. 

It's just a hint of all that Mexico has to offer and does feel a little stereotypical to me. But it still has its place among resources to use when exploring other countries.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Small Matters: The Hidden Power of the Unseen by Heather Ferranti Kinser

Can something small matter at all? Of course it can! In this book for young readers (who know a thing or two about being small), you can take a super close look at details too little to be seen with the human eye. Powerful shots from scanning electron microscopes show shark skin, bird feathers, the hairs on a honeybee's eye, and so much more, proving that tiny details can make a BIG difference.

Book Links

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**My thoughts**

The first thing I noticed about this book was the absolutely incredible photography used to capture the nature being explored in this book. The colors are so vibrant and almost beg for you to try to reach in and touch them. And then the pictures taken through the high-powered microscope are just fascinating. I think the honeybee on the purple flower is my favorite. 

It's almost like you have two books going on here. For the younger children, you can just read the larger rhyming prose. Older children will appreciate the detail that is given with the microscope pictures. For any of them, I have a feeling they will be inspired to learn even more about each creature. And there's even more detail in the back for further explanation, including a list of other books to read for further information. This is a great book to add to a science area.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley.

Review of Play Like an Animal! by Maria Gianferrari

Dash! Hide! Splash! Ride! Exuberant text celebrates all the different ways animals play, from rhinos taking mud baths and parrots somersaulting through the air to kangaroos boxing and dolphins diving through the surf. Additional text explains how playing benefits animals. Fascinating back matter gives more information about the featured animals in the book and encourages readers to make time to play every day!

Book Links

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**My thoughts**

Whimsical words introduce how animals in the wild like to have fun while they're playing, just like kids like to play, too! This book is a fun ride around the world that introduces the child to all kinds of fun vocabulary, whether action words and adverbs or different kinds of animals that you don't traditionally find in children's books. I even learned about a few more. The illustrations are also really cute and attractive to kids. I like how there's also a little box that gives a bit more of a serious explanation about the animals' behavior in some cases. If you really want to know more, there's a lot more information in the back. It's really a lot of fun to read out loud and would be a fun addition to a classroom library.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of I Want to Be ... A Gutsy Girl's ABC by Farida Zaman

Some jobs immediately sound fun―Candy Maker anyone?! And some jobs sound exciting―Oceanographer, Sportscaster, Aerialist! And some jobs―Kite Designer, Wind Farmer, Party Planner―sound so wonderful it’s hard to believe that they exist! Babies and toddlers will follow along with this ABC as it explores some of the amazing, and often unusual, jobs that people do. Each fun letter is complemented by an illustration of a girl filled with delight and wonder as she shows us how we can be, quite literally, anything we want to be.

Book Links

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**My thoughts**

I liked this book much more than I thought I would. When I was growing up, I went to Montessori where we were taught "You Can Be What You Want to Be," which was also the title of a play and song about Maria Montessori. And this book really echoes that idea. Each letter of the alphabet gets its own page with a potential occupation and one sentence describing what that job would be. They're all fun possibilities and definitely think outside of the box. And in the illustrations, she included different races and ethnicities as well as differently abled people. It's subtly obvious. And fear not, boys, you will be inspired by this book as well.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of A Rainbow of Rocks by Kate DePalma

A rainbow of rocks -- from red to violet and beyond! Eye-popping close-up photos of real, vibrant rocks and minerals in a rainbow of colors are brought to life by lyrical, rhyming text about the many facets of geology. Includes educational notes perfect for STEM learning.

Book Links

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(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

Wow, the pictures in this book are absolutely stunning! I was blown away as soon as I opened up the book. (OK, it did also help a little bit that the first page has the ruby, which is red and also my birthstone.) But then in addition to these stunning pictures is simple, fun rhyming text that has the name of each rock in its designated color. Plus the stones are clearly labeled on the page so that you know which one is which. I absolutely loved it! This part is perfect to use with younger children.

But then for those who want to know more, there's even more information in the back. This will appeal to the curious younger child and then provide a foundation for research by the older child. The adult reading the book will also have more information to better explain some of the simpler pages in more detail if needed. You're also introduced to even more vocabulary and definitions. Definitely a must-add to the classroom library!

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Brian the Brave by Paul Stewart

Every sheep is different. Some white, some black. Some striped, some spotted, some with hats! They're all still sheep, and they can all play together. At least that's what Brian thinks—until the other sheep say they can be friends only with sheep that are just like them.

But when danger strikes, can Brian help the sheep come together? Can Brian the ordinary become Brian the Brave?

This lively story with bright, playful artwork will prompt conversations about friendship, teamwork, and bias based on race or language.

Book Links

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**My thoughts**
This is a story that encourages children to look beyond physical differences and to band together. It uses sheep who start out trying to be friends, but as their friend group expands, one friend discriminates against another one simply because of how one looks. For example, one with black wool refuses to play with one with white wool. 

There's almost a round robin of sheep going up against each other, so that more than one of them can feel what it's like to be left out. But then they learn how to band together when danger strikes and realize that they work better as a group. 

Some children may pick up on what is happening just by reading it, but I would suggest using this as a launchpad for discussion about being friends in spite of surface differences. Inside, we are all the same. 

The illustrations are a little reminiscent of Eric Carle's style as they are done in a multimedia way of collage and paint. It's a cute book.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for fulfilling my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Ends 5/31

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Review of A Stopwatch from Grandpa by Loretta Garbutt

"When summer started, I got Grampa's stopwatch," a small child says. "I don't want his stopwatch. I want him." Grampa used to time everything. A race to the end of the street and back: 24 seconds. Eating bubblegum ice cream: 1 minute, 58 seconds. But now, Grampa's gone. "There are no more Grampa minutes, Grampa seconds," the child says. "Time just stops." As the seasons come and go, the stopwatch becomes a cherished symbol of remembrance, and the child uses it to carry on Grampa's favorite pastimes and traditions.

Loretta Garbutt uses subtlety and sensitivity to explore the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) in this moving picture book story of loss. It features a gender-neutral main character (no first name or pronouns are given) making the story universally relatable. This is a perfect choice for fostering discussions with children about their emotions, particularly the feeling of loss. It also offers a poignant representation of an intergenerational relationship between a grandfather and grandchild. Carmen Mok's expressive and thoughtful illustrations employ a limited color palette to convey the character's emotional trajectory. There are curriculum applications here in social-emotional development as well as character education lessons in caring and resilience.

Book Links

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**My thoughts**
It's a heartbreaking story as the young boy is trying to deal with the loss of his beloved grandfather. The opening lines actually cut me to the core, because I feel this so much: "When summer started, I got Grampa's stopwatch. I don't want his stopwatch. I want him." And I flashed back to losing my own grandparents as a child.

The stopwatch represents all of the fun that he had with his grandfather, because it was Grampa's favorite thing. They timed each other doing all kinds of things. And life just does not feel right. And he is angry. And then eventually, he is able to come back around and find the joy in the stopwatch again.

All of these feelings are completely normal to have. When you think about how hard it is for us as adults to process these feelings, imagine how much more difficult it is for a young child. Perhaps this book could help a child trying to deal with a loss or at least provide a foundation for some conversations.

4.5*s from me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover by Audrey Penn

"Are we almost there?" Chester Raccoon asked his mother. Chester is excited about going to his very first sleepover. After his mother drops him off at Pepper Opossum's house with a Kissing Hand in his palm, Chester and his animal friends have a long day of playing games and eating snacks. But when the animals decide to bed down, Chester can't go to sleep. While his Kissing Hand has kept him from getting scared, he isn't in his own bedroom, and he misses his family. When Chester returns home, Mrs. Raccoon welcomes her little cub and reassures him that his home is always there when he needs it. Young readers will enjoy reading about the party fun and take comfort when Chester finds himself in a situation they can relate to.

Book Links

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**My thoughts**
We all fell in love with Chester Raccoon back when his mama taught him about the Kissing Hand. So I'm so glad to see that he has kept on with new adventures!

In this one, Chester is joining his friends for his very first sleepover. They have tons of fun as they frolic all day long and eat fun snacks. But when it's time to go to sleep, Chester starts to miss his home, in spite of having Mama's Kissing Hand. And so he ends up going home where he feels more secure, but was still grateful for having such a fun time with his friends.

I think a lot of kids are going to relate to this story. Sleepovers seem to start at a much younger age than I remember doing them, and especially for younger kids, it's scary to sleep at someone else's house. But this book, just like the original Kissing Hand, can remind them that it's okay to have their fears and anxieties and they can always go home and back to Mom.

The drawings and all of the other characters are just as sweet as they were in the first book. I would definitely want to add this to my collection.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Tiny Travelers: China Treasure Quest by Steven Wolfe Pereira & Susie Jaramillo

Inspire children to fall in love with the world they live in with Tiny Travelers!

"A+ educational content….Wonderful... to share with young kids -- to broaden their horizons and discover new places of interest!” ― Common Sense Media

The Tiny Travelers “Treasure Quest” Series takes its readers on a fun-filled journey to discover what makes each country special with search-and-find features on every spread.

In Tiny Travelers China Treasure Quest, readers journey from the Forbidden City to the Wuling mountains. From the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, to the ancient Great Wall of China, Tiny Travelers will enjoy getting closer to Chinese culture while learning about what makes this country so captivating.

Each illustrated spread invites children to discover hidden "treasures" - icons, animals, statues, instruments and more - that make up the rich cultural heritage of China.

“Most kids today are told that it’s a small world, when in fact it’s a really big world,” says Encantos CEO and Tiny Travelers creator and author Steven Wolfe Pereira. “And because the world is so big, there are many countries, cities, and cultures that have yet to be discovered and explored by kids. We created Tiny Travelers to foster curiosity, empathy, and understanding by learning what makes people and places so special.”

Book Links

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**My thoughts**
This installment of the series is chock full of super happy pictures of kids and families enjoying themselves while eating, traveling, and celebrating holidays. My favorite picture is the one of all of the pandas rolling and lounging, because who doesn't love pandas?

The story is told through rhyming verse which usually works well in this installment. Bolded vocabulary words have their Chinese character equivalents next to them. If the word is in English, it also has the English transcription of the words in Chinese.

Each page has a little treasure hunt in a box in the corner. And fun facts are sprinkled throughout for the more advanced readers. 

It's a cute introduction to China and the Chinese culture.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for supplying me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Tiny Travelers: Puerto Rico Treasure Quest by Steven Wolfe Pereira & Susie Jaramillo

Inspire children to fall in love with the world they live in with Tiny Travelers!

"A+ educational content….Wonderful... to share with young kids -- to broaden their horizons and discover new places of interest!” — Common Sense Media

The Tiny Travelers “Treasure Quest” Series takes its readers on a fun-filled journey to discover what makes each country special with search-and-find features on every spread.

In Tiny Travelers Puerto Rico Treasure Quest, readers journey from the historical city of San Juan with its famous "El Morro" fort, to the beautiful bioluminescent bay in Vieques. Tiny Travelers will enjoy getting closer to Puerto Rican culture, and seeing why it is called “La Isla del Encanto” (the island of enchantment).

Each illustrated spread invites children to discover hidden "treasures" - icons, animals, statues, instruments and more - that make up the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico.

“Most kids today are told that it’s a small world, when in fact it’s a really big world,” says Encantos CEO and Tiny Travelers creator and author Steven Wolfe Pereira. “And because the world is so big, there are many countries, cities, and cultures that have yet to be discovered and explored by kids. We created Tiny Travelers to foster curiosity, empathy, and understanding by learning what makes people and places so special.”

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N 

**My thoughts**
This book takes us down to the island of Puerto Rico to introduce us to the culture through language, foods and activities. The illustrations are quite lively and happy. The text includes a lot of Spanish vocabulary. I love that it has little pronunciation guides next to these vocabulary words for those who do not read Spanish.

It attempts to tell a story with rhyme, that I felt got a little awkward at times. This part is great for your younger readers. For older readers, there are little boxes of additional "Did You Know?" information pieces with even more facts and trivia. And fun for all ages are the seek and find bits, where you are asked to find animals, foods, etc.

And I appreciate that it included both the more stereotypical cultural parts of Puerto Rico with some more realistic everyday illustrations to give a more well-rounded view of life there. It's a cute story to introduce another culture and could lead to further exploration.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for honoring my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Earning Money by Mary Lindeen

Describes the different kinds of work adults and kids can do to earn money, such as: making and selling things, doing chores, and providing services to neighbors. An early economics book that includes a note to caregivers, reading activities, and a word list.

Book Links

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**My thoughts**
This is another book in a series for emergent readers that is teaching them about money. This particular one focuses on different ways that people earn money, whether they are adults or children. As with the rest of the series, I love the photographs of real people, because I think that really helps the children learn the concepts better. They can relate the adults in the book to adults in their lives that they have seen and maybe even see themselves doing some of the jobs that other kids are doing.

I think it's another good part of a while series that is introducing the concept of finance to children. It's also introducing new high frequency words to the kids. Do not think that the Beginning to Read label means it is for early readers, but know that this will help them on their way to becoming readers after they learn some foundational skills.

Other explanations of concepts and activities are in the back of the book to aid parents and teachers. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for honoring my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Goods and Services by Mary Lindeen

Describes the differences and similarities between goods and services, and how they are used in everyday life. An early economics book that includes a note to caregivers, reading activities, and a word list.

Book Links

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(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
This is another great book for kids, this time about the concept of goods and services. It defines the terms and gives plenty of examples of each, both in the text and in the photographs of real people and goods in the world to help the children better relate to the terms. I think they lay a good foundation for discussions as well. You can easily include this in a collection teaching kids about finances.

In the back are explanations of concepts, vocabulary lists, and further activities to help teachers and parents use this book. This one is for emerging readers, but not your early readers. The word lists will help build the children up to this point, though.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for honoring my request for a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of How to Tie a Shoe & Other Big Adventures by Skip Hill

Every kid knows that tying a shoe can be a big adventure, especially in a world full of spaghetti, birds’ nests, camping trips, and seeing old friends after summer break.

How to Tie a Shoe & Other Big Adventures is the first in a series of handbooks by Penny Candy Books exploring and unraveling the complexities of some of childhood’s most essential lessons where tying a shoe becomes a metaphor for experience, and learning is an act of discovery.

Book Links

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(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

The black and white drawings are fun and interesting. And I love the messages of friendship in the last half of the book. Those pictures are pretty special.

I'm not a huge fan of the hand drawn text, though, because it is not as easy to read. It reminds me of the way I used to draw letters when I was in elementary school and sometimes feels like it is detracting from the pictures. In some pictures, the text blended in way too much with the illustrations.

The story is a fun adventure and full of imagination, and I am sure that a lot of kids will relate to how one thing can make you think of something else, in a kind of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie kind of a way. But it seriously has nothing to do with learning how to tie your shoes. And I think a lot of people are going to get this book, thinking it is actually a primer on tying shoes, and will be disappointed when it is not.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a requested review copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Where Is Home, Daddy Bear? by Nicola O'Byrne

Evie Bear and Dad are moving. But as they leave their old home behind and set off on their long drive toward the new, Evie Bear is full of questions. “What if I don't like it there?“ she worries. “How will I make new friends?“ But her dad reassures her with wise and comforting words, and by the end of their journey, Evie Bear comes to realize that she can feel at home anywhere, as long as Dad is with her.

Featuring endearing bears and lustrous mixed media art, Where Is Home, Daddy Bear? is a simple yet thoughtful tale that considers the question of the true meaning of home.

Book Links

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(affiliate link)

**My thoughts**
I was immediately intrigued by this book just by looking at the cover. It's a beautiful spring day, and the colors are just intoxicating and calming and lovely. And then there is the look of absolute adoration on the young bear's face as she looks up at her father. So it's already inviting to open up and read.

Evie and her father are moving to a new home. Evie is understandably worried about having to start over and has a lot of the usual questions that young children do. Her most perplexing concern is understanding from where she comes now. She feels like she has lost some of her sense of self. And that makes total sense.

As they make their way on their adventure, Evie keeps asking her father where home is. And he gives some great explanations about how home is more than just the house that you live in. And then finally, she gets it.

This is such a sweet story. I think it is amplified by the beautiful pictures along the way. I just loved all of the illustrations depicting their adventures on the way to their new home. One of my favorites is of them in the diner when they stop off for blueberry pancakes. 

It will be good for children to read as they are getting ready to move and feel a little disoriented during the process.

There is one little part of the story that is missing, and that is where is Evie's mom? I am guessing perhaps she passed away? She only appears in a picture toward the end, but is never mentioned. I know some children are going to pick up on that and also have some questions.

But overall, I did really like this book and give it 4.5 stars overall. 

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for honoring my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Behind the Secret Garden Door by Sandie Leigh

Fall in love with cuddly Teddy MacDougal, an inquisitive West Highland white terrier on his mischievous adventure behind the Secret Garden Door. Once inside the garden, Teddy learns about the perils of the garden specifically, the Red Fox of Kennelworth. Meet all the woodland creatures from the author's garden like the three yellow finches, Farrel the Frog, King Elliot, a monarch butterfly and even Teddy's human little sister Charlotte. As an outspoken westie, Teddy finds himself struggling to fit in with his new friends and discovers a life lesson along the way that will leave you longing for the next book.

Book Links

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(affiliate link)

**My thoughts**
If you love Westies, you're probably going to love this book. These dogs definitely have their own personalities and dedicated fans. And this was a sweet story of one who finds his way out of his own yard and finds a whole new world to explore. Along the way, he meets many new animal friends and even gets his human to go along with him to help him navigate his new friendships. 

The illustrations appear to be hand-drawn, which is something you don't see as much of anymore. They were also sweet. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for fulfilling my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells

“A homeless unloved pup becomes one lucky dog in this tender picture book. . .”
―starred Publishers Weekly Review

The Gryphon Press is delighted to bring this classic children’s picture back into print for a new generation of children.

McDuff Moves In has been loved for its heartwarming and lively story and its magical recreation of a simpler era. Readers have commented that they loved reading McDuff’s story to their children, and, in due course, to their grandchildren, reading the book over and over, until, as one reader wrote, the “original copy was worn to shreds.”

“This collaboration by Wells and Jeffers is as sweet, substantial, and comforting as that bowl of rice pudding and will suit the many children who like stories with simple words, clear story lines, and happily-ever-after endings. ”
– Booklist

No one wanted the nameless little dog wandering the streets looking unsuccessfully for food and shelter until kindhearted Fred and Lucy, a young couple, take him inside. After they feed him rice pudding and bathe him, they realize that they cannot bear to return him to the pound. Newly adopted, McDuff–named that night for their favorite shortbread biscuit–is last seen happily asleep on his back on a pillow next to Fred and Lucy’s bed.

Wells knows just the right words to describe McDuff's emotions in ways that little readers will identify with and understand. She describes his joy in being accepted with these words: ''No one had ever asked him to come in. Everyone had always told him to go away.''

Jeffers's illustrations brilliantly capture a bygone art deco America in Lucy and Fred’s cozy home, a virtual-reality nostalgia unfaded. Dog lovers everywhere will recognize the very specific details that bring McDuff to life, from the familiar lift of a paw in the rain to the frightened eyes peeking out over the car dashboard.

Books Links

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(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
I remember enjoying books by Rosemary Wells when I was a child, and even shared some early on in my teaching career. I was delighted to see one making a comeback of sorts. 

In this one, the poor dog manages to escape from the dogcatcher's truck and seeks a new home. He finds a couple willing to take him in, who at first think that they just do not have time to devote to taking care of a dog. But then they realize that they just cannot let him go to the dog pound and end up adopting and giving him a name. A sad start gets a happy ending. 

I loved the feeling of somewhat going back in time to the 1930s, when life seemed a little simpler and less chaotic than it is now. In spite of this nostalgia, this book still holds a timeless quality about it that you do not find as much in current literature. 

It really pulls at your heartstrings as you go through the range of emotions right with the dog. And the illustrations are truly darling. It makes me want to get out all of my other Rosemary Wells books and revisit them.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for fulfilling my request to review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.