Lost Dog (I Like to Read) - Hardcover

Michael Garland is an award-winning fine artist and children's book author and illustrator. Kirkus Reviews named his Fish Had a Wish one of their Top 25 Children's Books of the Year in 2012 and gave it a starred review, saying: "This fish tale is a keeper." He lives in Patterson, New York.

PreS-Gr 1—Pete, the anthropomorphized dog, is off on a car ride to visit Grandma for her birthday. Hoping to bypass the extremely congested roads, Pete takes a detour. Initially venturing toward what appears to be a major city, he finds himself lost on a mountaintop. Pete asks a local bear for assistance and is erroneously pointed away from Grandma's house. He is no closer to his destination and is forced to ask directions from a bird, big cat, walrus, and flock of penguins. Ultimately, a whale carries Pete and his car back to the city, where a police officer helps Pete find Grandma's house and he hand delivers her gift. The pencil and digital artwork is bright and colorful. VERDICT This slight story is an acceptable addition for larger collections.—Laura Hunter, Mount Laurel Library, NJ