Dog Parade

In Joosse's (Friends [Mostly]) enthusiastic collection of light verse, various dogs introduce themselves as they don costumes for a parade, but it's Yelchin's (Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku) humorous gouache illustrations that provide much of the book's appeal. Each dog tells its own story. A terrier announces, "I'm Tinkles. Gotta pee," while a mutt declares, "I was in the pound, and you found me./ You named me Lovie." Dog aficionados will appreciate the breed-specific traits the dogs possess. Jack the Chihuahua is a toughie ("yipyipyipyipyip.... Lemme at 'em. Lemme at 'em"), while the pug is a Southern belle ("Don'tcha love my smoky eyes%E2%80%94bat bat?"). Each dog's soliloquy is followed, at the turn of the page, with the dog dressed in a generally character-appropriate costume. The Chihuahua is shown in prisoner's stripes with a ball and chain, and the pug wears a pink-ribboned bonnet. The eventual parade, like an artist's portfolio, features a plethora of dogs marching in costume. Plot is beside the point: like an actual parade, the exuberant atmosphere%E2%80%94confetti, balloons, costumes, and all%E2%80%94is the main draw. Ages 4%E2%80%938. (Sept.)