Nipper and the Lunchbox

PreS-Gr 1—Nipper is a small, friendly dog who loves spending time with his human companion but hates the moment each day when Richard leaves for work. When he notices that his beloved friend has left behind a lunch box, Nipper knows exactly what he is going to do: he squeezes and wiggles through tight mail slots, followed by perilous encounters with "dangerous" animals and vehicles, before reaching his pal with lunch box safely intact. Soft pastel illustrations accompany an endearing story about the strong connection between human and pet, and the limitless bonds of true friendship. Dillamore's gentle images are subtle and spare, yet pack a great deal of intricate detail sure to elicit more than a few infectious giggles. While Peggy Rathmann's Officer Buckle and Gloria offers a far more flamboyant story with more vivid full-page color spreads, Nipper emerges as no less worthy a hero than Gloria.