Dog in Boots

In this story about a dog with a thing for footwear, Gormley's buoyant text should capture readers right off the mark: "Dog was reading a brilliant book, all about a cat who wore a pair of truly magnificent boots." Inspired by Puss's swashbuckling shoes, Dog goes on his own quest to find a pair of his own. Angaramo paints an exceptionally appealing pup, beatific in his delight when things go according to plan, and only mildly puzzled when they don't ("The flippers were fantastic for swimming, but when Dog tried to scratch, they flip-flap-flopped around his head in a very unsatisfying way"). After an unsuccessful run in black pumps and an anticlimactic experience on skis, he discovers that his own paws are best for running, scratching, swimming, and digging. A shopkeeper, who remains patient throughout Dog's footwear experiments (and has a generous return policy), gently delivers the message about not looking further than one's own backyard (or, in this case, paws). The final spread, in which Dog is inspired by a new fashion accessory, suggests that Dog hasn't quite absorbed the concept. Ages 3%E2%80%936. (Mar.)