Shoe Dog

K-Gr 2—A shoe-loving pup that lives in an animal shelter and dreams of having a real home with things to chew is adopted by a shoe-loving older woman. As the newcomer chews up his first pairs of boots, sneakers, and flip-flops, his person calls out, "Shoe Dog…You're so cute, but…." When he is well behaved, his world is full of nose kisses, ear scratches, and head pats. But when he transgresses, there are no "Cozy Covers," "Big Bed," or "Land of Upstairs" for him; instead, he is sent to the lightless basement-"the Land of Sad Puppies." Rich language carries readers through this superbly paced story of successful puppy training (with the aid of a new member of the household, Shoe Cat). Movement is key in the page layout and the kid-friendly illustrations in crayon and charcoal are digitally collaged.—Sara Lissa Paulson, The American Sign Language and English Lower School, New York City