"Inside a lady met us with a dog in her arms.
A not too big, not too small dog.
A just right dog.
"This is Millie," the lady said. "Would you
like to pet her?"
I was nervous, but I wanted to pet Millie."
A young girl narrates this family story, telling readers that she and her mom are new to the city and living in a new apartment. It's just the two of them. When Mom works from home, the child entertains herself with blocks, crayons, and books.
Her mom offers a trip to the park to meet new kids; the child is reluctant.
"Mom would nod and day, "Okay."
Meetings with new neighbors result in the same reluctance from the child and acceptance from her mom. A visit to the bookstore for story time gets the same result. Then one day, the two head over to the animal shelter where they meet Millie. Millie changes everything. Millie goes home with them. The two are inseparable as they take walks around the neighborhood. Millie's happy visits along the way provide a feeling of safety for the little girl who begins to feel more comfortable around others.
A visit to the dog park provides the perfect opportunity for new friendship for all.
Using colored ink, watercolor and pastels, Ms. Castillo fills her pages with details that are textured and quietly appealing in every way. Millie's tail wagging will be much admired by all who share this gentle tale. I love the endpapers; they add depth to the telling.
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