FICTION

Great Dog

illus. by Miguel Tanco. 46p. Tundra. May 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781101919170.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—In a bright and expansive house, father and son canines proceed down a hallway lined with family portraits and discuss how the young pup will absolutely one day be a Great Dog. The father heaps praise on each relative's greatness but hidden in the gatefolds beneath each portrait are comical and slightly more realistic depictions of each ancestor's great deeds. Undoubtedly though, they were all Great Dogs. Intricate watercolor illustrations create detail and texture in each scene and the endpapers are filled with additional portraits of other "Great" characters. The dialogue between the father and son provides an opportunity for caregivers to discuss with children what they want to be when they grow up. Though mostly silly at the start, a lovely twist at the end lends weight to the father's words of affirmation and encouragement for his son.
VERDICT Best shared one-on-one so readers can pore over the detailed illustrations. Hand this to anyone seeking a story about families or "Great Dogs."

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