"Why don't you want to say hello
to this new dog, Murray?
Don't worry, Murray! He's nice.
Good boy, Murray! Good boy."
While we never meet the narrator, there is constant love and praise for the tiny dog who cannot seem to come to terms with the outside world and all the many experiences he might face if he leaves his house. His worries manifest themselves in his imagination, and at every turn.
Questions are asked; readers can see what Murray so clearly imagines as his answer to each successive one. What if it rains, and the water rises higher and higher. Danger! Maybe a raincoat would help. A sound plan until the thunder and lightning BOOM! Poor Murray.
A new dog? Perhaps it's bully and will take his toy. When it doesn't, things look more promising. A loud, animated bark sends Murray scurrying to find a hiding place. Poor Murray. Will there be fireworks at the barbecue? No. But there might be exploding balloons. Poor Murray. Even the darkness of bedtime does not look promising.
Listening to the voice full of praise for all he tried in the day, Murray is finally able to settle.
Listeners are sure to empathize with Murray as he explores new and often scary moments in his day. It's a terrific read aloud and encourages them to speak to some of the fears they share with Murray, or have of their own.
"I'm proud of you ...
My brave dog."
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