Eddie and Dog

PreS-Gr 2—One day at an airport baggage terminal, Eddie, a boy who dreams of adventure, spies Dog, a canine in an open pet carrier who seems ready for adventure himself. The two become fast friends, and Dog sneaks into Eddie's backpack. Later at home when Mom discovers the dog, she says he cannot stay because they do not have a big enough yard. Soon, the animal is put in the back of the "Happy Dog" van and driven away. But the bond between Eddie and the dog is unbreakable, and the pooch finds his way back to Eddie-showing up the next day driving a motor scooter. Eddie and the dog have a natural affinity with each another, as demonstrated through their love of imaginative play and their constant search for adventure, making their friendship feel genuine. The dog's loyalty to Eddie is particularly compelling, as he repeatedly abandons a bigger and better yard to be with his friend. Children will cheer each time he returns to Eddie, making this book a good read-aloud for a friendship-themed storyhour. With soft lines and warm colors, Brown's illustrations are as sweet and charming as Eddie and the dog. Using their ingenuity, the two friends finally come up with a clever solution to the yard problem, providing a satisfying and happy ending for both of them, as well as the promise for more adventures.—Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY