Tucker

PreS-K—After packing three different outfits in preparation for an outing, an adorable Jack Russell terrier decides to wear his sturdy plaid coat to begin his adventure. The text states that Tucker is eager, but the photos show a grave, obedient dog holding still for costume changes. The images are sharply focused and well composed, and Tucker, as narrator, speaks in simple sentences, well suited to the audience, but he responds to the camera with dull eyes. He is not captured on the page with the indicated emotions; he doesn't look excited by his adventure, and as cute as he is, his expressionless gaze asks for the ordeal to end. This disconnect is consistent throughout: Tucker sunbathes, digs in the sand, and plays with a ball, all the sorts of things that youngsters would enjoy. Then, toward the end of the story when he realizes he is lost, he smiles. A good idea gone astray.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA