Seaglass Summer

Eleven-year-old Poppy Ray's parents are headed to India on business. But since Poppy is "serious about becoming an animal doctor," she is sent to her Uncle Sanjay's home on a remote island off the coast of Washington State, where he runs the Furry Friends Animal Clinic. Poppy has prepared for this trip—even bringing her own first aid kit. She wants to dive right in and do a good job, but her actual experience with animals is limited, due to her mother's allergies. The bumpy truck ride that sends her suitcase and vet kit bouncing into a stream portends the rough road ahead. Banerjee (Looking for Bapu) covers some of the starker realities of pet care, from mopping up pee to the need to put an elderly cat to sleep. Sweet moments are interspersed, including the delivery of new puppies, though Poppy's rocky friendship with Hawk, the 13-year-old son of a cranky clinic worker, is not fully explored. While the scope and tone of the novel are simple, it's a quick, satisfying read that should have particular appeal for animal lovers. Ages 8–12. (May)