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Monday, September 15, 2014

No Dogs Allowed, written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Kristin Sorra. Sterling Children's Books, 2011 $17.95 ages 4 and up


"No one

with fur,

feathers

or shells

allowed."

The text is minimal, with a clear message. The storytelling is found in the digital artwork that graces it's pages. We quickly meet, and begin to understand the personality of the cafe owner whose orderly life is inadvertently pushed off course with the arrival of his first customer. That first visitor is walking a dog...no thanks, says Alberto with a quickly rewritten WELCOME! chalkboard. NO DOGS ALLOWED!

As the day moves forward and more customers arrive with various and sundry pets, that sign is continually changed to meet Alberto's new regulations. As aware as he is of the people wanting to stop by, he seems totally unaware of what is happening as a result of his rejection stance. Across the square, his customers are gathering for a party of their own, full of joy and camaraderie.

Readers and listeners will be excited to take note of the many exciting activities being shared over there. The constantly reinvented sign offers an extra dash of humor and interest. For his own sake, it's prudent that Albert sees the error of his ways before it's too late to make a welcome and appropriate reversal of the rules.

The delightfully detailed and brightly coloured illustrations are sure to grab the attention of all readers. There is much to see that they will want to spend an extended time taking a leisurely look.
                                                                            

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