Work, Dogs, Work: A Highway Tail

PreS-Gr 2—Horvath's industrious dogs are back on the job in this third book featuring Duke and his crew. This time, the boys have a highway to build, and, with the same perfect balance of humor and information characteristic of Build, Dogs, Build (2014) and Dig, Dogs, Dig (2013, both HarperCollins), the author escorts readers through the process of constructing a road. The narrative verse, in four-line rhyming stanzas, never falters, regardless of the equipment needed or task at hand, making for a satisfying read-aloud that is also accessible to beginning readers. The full-page digital illustrations are perfectly suited to the audience, with bold colors, a cartoon flair, and just enough detail to invite children to linger. Feline fans will appreciate the cameo appearance of Jinx on every spread, and the dogs look like they're having so much fun, adults may wonder what's in their coffee. Construction junkies and Horvath fans alike will welcome this book in their libraries, while those new to the series will surely seek out the other titles.—Lynn Van Auken, Oak Bluffs School, Oak Bluffs, MA