A Perfect Place for Ted

K-Gr 2—People coming to the pet store never notice Ted, even though he is a smart dog with his own green sweater. There are just too many other dogs. So the pup decides that it's time for a change; he joins the circus. But the other circus dogs can fly and leap through the air, so nobody notices Ted balancing on a popcorn box. Next, he tries a pet pageant. Even though he looks sensational after a blow dry and donning a feathered cap, still no one takes notice. They are too busy fawning over the purple and pink poodles. Undaunted, he tries his paw at guard dog duty. Unfortunately, Ted, some sort of a small, mixed breed, is hardly scary, and burglars don't notice him. Saddened, he heads back to the pet store where his luck is about to change. Dot, a little girl in a red jumper, is posting signs looking for a "furry friend [that] must enjoy long walks and ball games." This is perfect, thinks Ted, and the two become fabulous friends. Dot takes him home to his new "puuuuurrrrfect" house—with more than 20 cats. Illustrations done in pen, ink, and collage enhance this charming story. The drawings of Ted bring to mind another mutt, Harry the Dirty Dog. Recommended for independent reading or storytimes.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA