Nose to Nose

In this witty canine romp, a new dog named Toby “introduces” himself to the neighborhood by lifting a leg against a brick wall, a light pole, and a mailbox (“He introduced himself a lot, actually”). In a loose, sketchbook style, Heder (Sal Boat) lovingly captures the established neighborhood dogs that Toby longs to befriend—a basset hound, a bulldog, and more. Written in graffiti-style text, readers can see the messages the dogs leave for each other on walls and sidewalks. (“My Tummy feels Bad –Merlin” is accompanied by “Merlin, eat grass!”) After checking out “the local postings,” still-excluded Toby finds a tennis ball: “It smelled like puddles and raccoons and fit in nicely with his collection.” But the ball belongs to the basset hound, Pancake, and the whole neighborhood soon gets involved. Suspense builds at length as Toby leaves an apologetic message whose meaning is altered by the rain, deepening confusion until his instincts save the day. Heder’s charming canine portraits, especially of doggy actions, make this emotive new-arrival story a pup lover’s treat. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. Agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. (Sept.)