Pet Dad

What’s a little girl to do when her dad says no to getting a pet? Improvise. Luckily, Plum’s lanky father—whose white skin and ashen hair contrast with Plum’s dark features —plays along in the role of dog. “Plum adores her new pet. She rubs his tummy. She scratches his ears. She names him Schnitzel!” Though he’s briefly willing to let Plum walk him on a leash (his tie), his compliance is short-lived—especially when it comes to rolling over, fetching, or doing his “business” on newspaper. Allen blends measured white space with fine, textured patterns, while Plum’s commands and her father’s refusals (“ ‘Sit!’ ‘Heck no,’ he barks”) appear in bright orange lettering. Allen nails the dynamic between an accommodating father and a sometimes bossy child, while hinting that the best father-daughter relationships are built on mutual love and respect. Ages 3–5. [em](May) [/em]