Cookie the Walker

The road to fame is paved with snacks for a dog who eschews convention in Monroe's wryly witty story about the virtues of keeping one's feet on the ground. When Cookie discovers how handy it is to walk on her hind legs, she's on a fast track to the big time: "Well, I can reach the candy dish now... which is great," she tells her supportive but skeptical pal Kevin. A daring walk across a flaming board placed over a kiddie pool filled with snapping turtles is just the beginning: the circus and a Hollywood producer come calling, and Cookie is soon starring in her own TV show. But when an exhausted Cookie receives a proposal to walk around the world, she must make a tough decision. Monroe (the Monkey with a Tool Belt books) explores the pitfalls of fame through deadpan narration and celebrity stereotypes, all captured in tidy comics-style panels. Cookie's relationship with Kevin plays out in several tender exchanges, even as the stalwart dog is unceremoniously shoved out of the way by Cookie's "people." Ages 4%E2%80%938. (Mar.)