Made for Each Other: Why Dogs and People Are Perfect Partners

Gr 2–5—Beginning with the "ancient bonds" formed thousands of years ago, Patent explores the long relationship between humans and dogs in this satisfying nonfiction read. The author's compendium of intriguing information includes comparing traits of wolves and dogs to sharing research about how dogs are aware of happy faces and how they understand words and gestures. The well-researched narrative is presented in an understandable and friendly, yet authoritative, voice. Information is divided into three major parts: "A Perfect Partnership," "The Science of Love," and "Sharing Our Lives," and each of those areas are explored in briefer, more targeted sections, and all are identified in the table of contents. The welcoming layout uses a variety of design elements, including occasional font variations, paw prints on some pages' corners, colored circles containing tidbits of info, and more to make this an enjoyable, browsable book. Dog lovers will be quickly enticed to reading the entire work from cover to cover. Clear, attractive photographs by Muñoz support and complement the text.