Making Friends: Margaret Mahy; Illustrated by Wendy Smith

As rendered in Smith's sparkling watercolors, Mrs. de Vere is a small woman who lives in a large house. Every day she crosses the park to the beach, where she confides to the waves that she wants company. Mr. Derry is a big man who lives in a little cottage. On his daily walks, he, too, crosses the park, traveling in the opposite direction; he tells the stone mermaid in the fountain in town that he would like someone to walk along the beach with. When both people go to the dog pound for a companion, Mrs. de Vere chooses a big, shaggy dog, while Mr. Derry selects a tiny dog that ``looked like a feather duster.'' The next day, the two dogs recognize each other as they are being walked in the park. In the ensuing excitement and commotion, Mr. Derry and Mrs. de Vere get tangled in the leashes: the clever pets have united their lonely owners. Adults and children alike will delight in this warm, comforting story, as they root for the inevitable pairing of a thoroughly engaging hero and heroine. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)