Otis and the Puppy Book Review

Otis is back and better than ever in Otis and the Puppy by Loren Long.  The farm animals love playing with Otis after the work day is done.  Their favorite game?  Hide-and-seek of course!

One night, the farmer introduces the farm family to a new addition:  a puppy.  They eagerly soak up the sweet kisses that the pup is more than happy to provide.  Excited and exhausted, the team heads for the barn to call it a night.

Suddenly, Otis is awakened by a terrible sound.  It's the puppy!  He soon discovers that the cuddly canine is afraid of the dark and would much rather sleep inside the barn with him than in the wooden dog house.

The pair become fast friends.  Otis even teaches the pooch to play hide-and-seek.  During one such game, Otis has the honor of being "it."  He manages to find everyone...except the puppy.  Will Otis and the farm animals be able to track down the hound?

I absolutely love this book!  The story is full of heart.  Young and old alike will be able to relate to the theme of losing something that you love.  I was reminded about the time that my blind and deaf Dachshund escaped our fence and wandered across the street to the local daycare.  My world felt like it was crashing down around me in the brief five minutes that she was gone.

Long's illustrations are absolutely stunning.  Every page is truly a feast for the eyes.  From gorgeous rural pastures to nighttime scenes in the forest, I was captivated from start to finish.  He effortlessly brings the scenery and characters to life.

This is a wonderful story for readers ages 3-7 and for anyone who loves beautiful artwork.

My Pet Wants a Pet Book Review

My Pet Wants a Pet by Elise Broach follows the crazy antics of one boy in his quest to get a pet for his pet.  The boy is thrilled when his mother finally allows him to adopt a dog.  The pair become inseparable.

They have such fun together that the puppy decides he too would like a pet.  The boy's mother protests, but the pup soon returns with a furry orange kitten.  The unlikely friends quickly form a bond.  A bond so strong, that the kitten would like a pet of her own...

Will the perpetual presence of pets become too much to handle?

I adore this book!  Broach's story is filled with humor and heart.  I love the idea of a pet wanting a pet of its own.  I am reminded of my Chiweenie, Penny.  When we rescued a two-week-old kitten from the middle of Main Street, she remained glued to its side.  Penny raised the kitten as if it were her own pup.  The bonds between animals are truly amazing.

While the animals in the book are adorably cute, my favorite character is the mother.  As the pets begin to multiple, she starts to lose her cool but is secretly a softy at heart.  I can see a lot of my husband in her.  He always tells me, "No more pets!"  Until I bring home another furry creature that he soon falls in love with.

Eric Barclay's illustrations have a comic strip quality to them that is reminiscent of The Family Circus.  His characters are cute and endearing.  I especially love the detail that he put into the beret wearing worm and tiny little flea.  I also like his hilarious nod to Rodin's sculpture The Thinker.

This is a wonderful read for animal lovers of all ages.