Shadow's Baby

Shadow the dog is the baby of the family and, unlike some dogs that get jealous when displaced by the natural course of human events, he is delighted when the people he lives with bring home an infant. He takes on the baby as his own pup, enjoying her smells and tolerating her grabbing his ears. One thing Shadow cannot overlook, though, is watching this delightful ``puppy'' grow up into a child who resents a dog that knocks over her blocks and licks her too much. With an understanding reserved for humans, however, Shadow's owners find a caring and ingenious solution to the problem. Pets are often an important part of the family, as this story demonstrates so delightfully. Cuyler's sensitivity to the feelings of all involved is extended by Weiss's gentle illustrations. Ages 3-6. (Sept.)