Ollie and Claire

PreS-Gr 1—"Ollie and Claire were a tightly knit pair,/like hot buttered biscuits and jam." So begins this heartwarming, rhyming story about two adorable pooches whose friendship is tested when one develops a longing for adventure. Ollie and Claire have a routine that includes a lot of interesting activities such as yodeling, yoga, and running hurdles, but even so, Claire can't resist when she sees an advertisement for a travel companion. "Do you love hula dancing and/sledding through snow?/Do you feel like you need/to explore?/Adventure is calling,/let's go go go go!/Meet me here Monday at 4." Resolved to follow her heart, Claire packs her bags but then has a moment of pause when she thinks about leaving Ollie behind. In the meantime, visual clues will lead observant readers to the happy conclusion, which is reminiscent of a well-known romantic comedy. The charm of this book resides less in its familiar plot than in the well-constructed text and amusing pen and watercolor illustrations. With their fresh palette and energetic characters, these pictures are a vital partner in the telling of this sweet and satisfying tale.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library