Love Is My Favorite Thing

PreS-Gr 3—Plum, an endearing whippet, poodle, and Jack Russell mix, joyfully informs readers about all of the things she loves. Treats, the park, her neighbors: she loves everything (except rain). But what she loves most is love itself. Most days her family reciprocates her feelings just fine, but in her quest to do the things that make her happy, she ends up doing a few things she shouldn't. Several incidents end with a scolding and the exasperated remark "Oh, Plum!" which makes the pooch worry that they won't forgive her. For most of the book this cheerful dog is surrounded by other individuals in colorful contexts, but in her moment of doubt, she's alone and in the dark. Even with watercolors and pencils giving the spread a gentle touch, at that moment readers empathize with her. But then the family members open the door to collect and reassure her, eliciting a sigh of relief. Dog owners will recognize the authenticity in Plum's voice, that live-in-the-moment attitude, the inability to understand why certain actions are prohibited (hence the lack of explanations in the text), and that particular look that says, "Please love me."