Odd Dog

PreS-Gr 2—Peanut likes apples even more than other dogs like bones, and the apple tree in his yard "[is] his pride and joy." He counts his apples, dreams about them, and sometimes has nightmares that his neighbor, Milo, will steal his precious fruit. When Peanut notices that his best apple is hanging precariously over Milo's garden, he tries unsuccessfully to get it down. Of course, his worst fear is realized, and it falls right into Milo's dish. Instead of keeping it, though, the pup returns it, saying, "This apple looks very ripe and juicy, and I know how much you love them." A grateful Peanut invites Milo to a picnic during which he shares his coveted apples with him and other canine attendees, and Peanut and Milo become best friends. Boldt's mixed-media cartoon paintings, executed in a muted palette, feature Dachshund-shaped Peanut and rotund Milo living on opposite sides of a picket fence. Yellow and red apples hang from tree branches in the opening spread and appear in profusion throughout. Humorous vignettes show Milo reading, gardening, and going about his life in peace while an agitated Peanut tries repeatedly to get his apple before it lands in Milo's yard. Youngsters will enjoy the surprise of Milo's generosity and learn that sharing has its rewards.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT