Our Very Own Dog

PreS-Gr 3—After living in an animal shelter, Sophie the dog now has a home of her very own. The members of her new family have done their research and are very well prepared for her arrival. They have provided food, bedding, toys, and items to keep Sophie safe, such as a leash, collar, and name tag. Sophie is tentative at first but soon learns the routine of the family and even a few commands. Things are not always perfect, but there is plenty of love and forgiveness in her new home, and lots of fun, too. This title is chock-full of information for new and prospective dog owners. In addition to the main story line, there are also tips in an italicized font on each page for raising a dog and creating a healthy environment for it. Topics range from bathing and grooming to proper dog park etiquette. The illustrations, rendered in mixed media, are colorful and fun, with an added touch of whimsy. The endpapers are covered with canines of a variety of breeds, and readers will enjoy seeing how many they can identify, even though the breed names are not listed.