Shoot for the Moon! Lessons on Life from a Dog Named Rudy

Originally self-published as The Tao of Rudy in 2007, Humphrey's square-format advice book offers familiar bits of inspirational wisdom ("Find a hero. S-t-r-e-t-c-h yourself, take the leap") that are given a big boost by the bold paintings that accompany them. The subject of each painting is the tan-and-white Rudy, who Humphrey adopted in 2005; in an afterword, she admits that Rudy "was not my first, second, or third choice," but that a walk outdoors with him quickly "hooked" her. Working in bright, solid colors, Humphrey paints Rudy%E2%80%94featureless but for his coloring, collar, and a red heart on his chest%E2%80%94as a whimsical, rambunctious presence. In an early scene, he paints a self-portrait (with owner), and later he "find[s] a balance" atop a beach ball and "just roll[s] with it" on a black carpet. Although the text tends toward the platitudinous, the book is appropriate for kids, adults, or grads, and it should warm the hearts of those already well aware of the joys of canine companionship. A portion of the book's proceeds benefits a Utah-based nonprofit that works with animal shelters. All ages. (May)