by Cale Atkinson
What a lovely picture book!
Told from the point of view of a stray dog, the story opens with him taking pride in his independence. He doesn’t have “a collar… a leash… a fence.” He’s as free as a bird and couldn’t be happier… or could he?
The heart of the book is summed up in one line: “Trust isn’t easy to have when it’s been broken.” Our stray has nightmares about always running, and eventually he’s caught by a dog catcher. But don’t worry! He’s adopted by a lovely little girl (her bandaid hints that she’s cautious in life too), and together they both learn to trust again.
This book made me smile all the way through, and there’s one page with vacuum cleaners that’s especially great.
The story is simple and poignant, and the pictures are absolutely wonderful. I love this book. Buy it for every child you know!
Thank you to Tundra Books and NetGalley for the copy.
