Archie

PreS-Gr 2—This nearly wordless story with an all-canine cast is picture-reading at its best. When Archie receives a sewing machine from his Great Aunt Betty, he creates a simple garment for his dog. The simple coat garners a request from another owner. That, in turn, brings more requests. Before long the telephone is constantly ringing. Archie's designs are in demand. They become more elaborate, one-of-a-kind, carefully matched to the owner and dog. Business is so good that Archie begins thinking about a vacation. His planning is interrupted by yet one more phone call. Archie's fame has spread to Britain's most royal dog owner! The watercolor illustrations are outlined with pen and ink and set against clean white backgrounds that let Archie and his creations shine. Each dog, owner and pet, is individual, and there's no way to misidentify the Queen and her Corgi. These cartoon-style paintings read easily and are highlighted by onomatopoeic words. Dog lovers and fashionistas will be delighted.—Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH