My Dog Mouse, by Eva Lindstrom. Translated by Julia Marshall. Gecko Press, Thomas Allen & Son. 2017. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"It starts to blow. We walk into the wind and we seem to be standing still but I think we're moving. All sorts of things are flying around. Mouse's ears flap like flags and he shuts his eyes to keep out the sand. I hold tight to the leash. It has stopped blowing now and Mouse's ears hang straight down again. I have two meatballs in my pocket for us to eat."

Those who love dogs will read this heartfelt book numerous times. It has such warmth and love. It exudes quiet charm, and ends with a fervent wish.

A little girl approaches a house, and asks if she can walk Mouse. She gets the expected response. Off they go. The dog is aptly described as slow, old, fat and 'with ears as flat as pancakes'. The love between the two is evident with every step they take.

The girl is patient, kind, playful, and observant of all that makes Mouse so special to her. Their path is familiar, with stops along the way for food and rest. Their pace is determined by Mouse, and the walk ends when they have returned to Mouse's house. Asked about their adventure, the child is happy to report that it has been another successful day. She watches as Mouse accompanies his owner into the house and is lost to sight.

Only then does the walker express a quiet thought  ... "I wish Mouse was mine." In the final frame, it is easy to see that Mouse feels exactly the same way.

The uncluttered double page spreads are as gentle and warm as the words they depict. It is a tender and memorable book, with light touches of humor, and sure to be enjoyed not only by those who have a special affinity for dogs.