Because of Shoe and Other Dog Stories

Beginning with a preface “by” editor Martin’s dog, Sadie, this compilation offers dog tales by nine authors including Pam Muñoz Ryan, Thacher Hurd, and Margarita Engle. Selections range from Mark Teague’s SF comedy about a budding scientist who genetically engineers himself into a dog to Jon J Muth’s atmospheric historic piece, told from the point of view of sculptor Constantin Brancusi’s pet, Polaire. Straightforward plots and explicit conflicts will appeal to fledgling readers, but the depth of emotion felt by canines and their owners will be universally understood. Readers will identify with the uneasiness of Martin’s 12-year-old heroine, Delilah, when she is left home alone for the first time and discovers that she’s lost track of Picasso, the family pet. Hearts will also go out to Chico, a boy who faces a difficult adjustment to a new school while also having to give up his aging mutt in Matt de la Peña’s “Things People Can’t See.” Spot art by some authors, as well as by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov, capture the personalities of the characters, all of whom find joyful resolutions to their dilemmas. Ages 8–12. (June)