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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

forever home; a dog and boy love story, by Henry Cole. Scholastic, 2022. $25.99 ages 4 and up


"there is a dog that no one wants.
Abandoned and afraid, he must 
use his wits to survive the city's 
streets. Sadly, no one comes for him. 

meanwhile, not far away, there is a 
boy who wants a dog ...

I am a huge fan of Henry Cole and his wordless stories. His work is proof positive that there are times when no words are needed to tell a very special tale. 

His finely-detailed endpapers are the perfect place to start. In a black-and-white full page spread he introduces an urban neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, three-story buildings, and the occasional person of interest attract attention and the beginning of a story to be told. If one is very observant, notice might be given to a 'for sale' sign in front of one of the buildings closest to the reader. Two additional spreads provide even more information: a dog sits forlornly on the front step of that home. Night falls, and the dog seeks refuge on the streets. A tipped dumpster and car traffic offer nothing. It moves on. 

The opening page of the book brings the neighborhood to life. Filled with dogs, people, a bike store, a book store, and a small boy with a big interest in the dogs he sees there. At home, he makes a case for his getting a dog. His fathers are ambivalent before sharing a complaint with him about the state of his bedroom. Keeping a red leash always at his side, he sets out to prove he can be respsonsible. He walks that leash around the neighborhood on sunny days and rainy ones. Soon, he notices that pup now living in a cardboard box. 

He has a project. He entices the pup with kindness, the dragging leash, and treats. With thoughts of the dog constantly on his mind, he helps with chores, cleans his room, and makes a pretty good case for dog ownership. To his dismay, the pup has been rescued by an animal shelter. As luck would have it, they find each other in quick time. And that, as they say, is perfect fare for kids who have dogs, and those who dream of having a dog of their own. 

Beautifully told, not one word needed. 
                                                                                   


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