Night Market Rescue

Roused by a “sweet and spicy” scent on a cooling breeze, black-furred stray GoGo wanders solo on a hot summer’s evening into unknown territory: one of Taipei’s bustling night markets. Vendors line the streets with various treats, and GoGo dodges scooters and strangers, helping himself to “tasty, tender sausage bites/ while slurping ginger tea.” Passersby pay him no mind as he maneuvers the stalls, snacking on scraps as they drop. While capitalizing on a fallen watermelon, he encounters a “scared lost stranger”—a child who quickly becomes a friend. Eager to show his new companion all he’s discovered, GoGo guides the girl through the market, unwittingly leading her back to her parents’ embrace. Cheng (A Moment in Time) draws on her own memories of Taiwanese night markets to write a lively readaloud about finding one’s way home. Capturing a perhaps surprisingly subdued atmosphere, neat digital illustrations from Ren (Because) glow brightly in iridescent hues that grow more vibrant as the story reaches a happy ending for the solitary pooch. Ages 4–7. Author’s agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary. (May)