Review: Finding friendship
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 11, 2013
Zehavit Tzarfati and Iris Agiv along with fanciful illustrator Malgorzata Godziuk embrace the ever present situation of what to do about abandoned animals, and by placing a warm little story in this lovely book, offer some fine solutions!A little family  - father Tony (who works in a neighboring country), mother Lee, and little Jessie live in an old house, cold because the sun never warms it. Tony's work keeps him away for two weeks at a time, during which Jessie deeply misses her father. While shopping one day Lee discovers a sad and weak old Boxer dog and kindly brings the dog home, names him Richard, and since the dog has no collar or leash Lee decides to take care of him until they find a better home - IF it is alright with Jessie. Jessie fears that Richard won't like their cold old house, but agrees with her mother to give him a warm bath. Jessie jumps in the tub with Richard and was so happy she didn't mind having her clothes wet. Jessie and Richard play all day and then sleep in the same bed. Seeing Jessie so happy with her new best friend, Lee decides against posting `Found Dog' signs around the neighborhood - the transformed little girl and her new best friend Richard have found each other and a happier life.The story flows smoothly, allows children to identify with another family and with the feelings of loneliness, discovery of an abandoned dog, and how sharing their meager contributions can make a lonely little girl and a dog without a home the best of friends. Love spills out of the pages of this beautiful little book - as does appreciation for homeless animals.  Children will love this story and earn some valuable lessons. Grady Harp, September 13