Every Dog in the Neighborhood, written by Philip C Stead and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"The third house has a big red door and a 
fancy knocker that I am too short to reach. 
I look through the mail slot and say, loudly, 
"Excuse me! My name is Louis and I am 
counting every dog in the neighborhood! 
Do you have a dog?" 
"We have three dogs, " says a little girl
who is even shorter than the mail slot."

Grandma is upset with the weather, and makes sure her grandson knows it. She can feel it in her knees. She wants Louis to get ready for a walk in the rain. As they walk, he reminds her that he wants a dog. Grandma tells him there are already too many dogs in the neighborhood. Louis wants to know how many there are. As they pass a vacant lot, Grandma notices it is deemed 'off limits'. That sets her to writing a letter to City Hall, and influences her grandson to do the same, asking how many dogs there are in their neighborhood. 

Grandma's reply goes in the garbage with her grumbling that if you want something done, you might as well do it yourself. Louis's reply says that dogs are not officially counted. Loading his backpack with supplies, Louis sets off to do his own research. Grandma goes in the opposite direction to deal with the unsatisfactory response she received about her inquiry. Louis begins door-knocking to gather the information he needs. While Louis busy, so is his grandmother. We are privy to her actions in enjoyable artwork by Matthew Cordell. 

After many wonderful conversations, and a couple of short breaks with Grandma at the park gate, Louis completes his research. He returns with a final tally of nineteen dogs in the neighborhood. Grandma is busy with letter writing and doesn't respond until Louis repeats himself. She lets him know that he missed one, and off they go in the dark with purpose written all over Grandma's face. At the last house, Louis meets Mr. Khan, who has a dog and a sad story. Or is it a happy one? 

Louis's letter to City Hall offers the information he has gathered, and a suggestion for better record keeping, almost ending this brilliant story. It is another stellar collaboration from two of my favorite artists. Philip Stead's choice of Louis as the narrator makes for pure entertainment and some pretty funny moments along the way. Matt Cordell's signature pen and ink and watercolor illustrations add drama, hilarity, and details to rouse interest and discussion as the book is read. The final two spreads will bring a smile to readers' faces. It sure did for me. One of my favorites this year!