Morning Puppa
P. Anastasia, illus. by Zoe Saunders. Jackal Moon, $18.99 (34p) ISBN 978-1-952425-00-4
Opening with a moment of crisis, Anastasia and Saunders introduce a scarf-wearing canine narrator who is distressed by the disappearance of their beloved paw-print teacup, leading to a low-stakes investigation around the dog’s quaint home. As the search proceeds in lighthearted, rhyming prose, it becomes clear that not only has the teacup gone missing, but the dog’s stuffed friends, all named for teas (Matcha, Earl, Minty, and Rose), are gone as well, and there’s “not a morsel” to be found in the kitchen. Desaturated, cool-toned illustrations give off a mild-mannered vibe, following the protagonist around the home as the pooch peers into cupboards and jars, and pouts beneath framed images of themself (“I give up! I’m done! Right here I will stay./ This doggone mess has ruined my day”). Individualizing details, such as one stuffed animal’s monocle, top hat, and vest, differentiate each character en route to the friendly reveal, which positions each animal friend with a signature china pattern. A closing author’s note details the book’s inspirations in real-life Australian shepherd Benjamin. Ages 4–7. (Self-published)
Details
Reviewed on: 07/07/2022
Genre: Children's
Hardcover - 34 pages - 978-1-952425-02-8