Rosalie

Rosalie, a 16-year-old dog, is deaf, and she doesn't move fast anymore. Cindy knows that Rosalie is close to 100 in human years, so she is careful to keep the dog on a leash outside, since she can't hear cars coming. Cindy also understands that other people don't always think Rosalie is cuteuntil they know her better. Carrick has captured the melancholy side of the tale in the dog's sad old eyes, and he shows warm scenes of Cindy's acceptance of Rosalie's shortcomings. This is a sweetly compelling story about a beloved member of the family. Its mood is wistful, yet not without joy, perhaps because it is told with such love. Ages 5-8. (March)