Dog in Boots
Inspired by the story “Puss in Boots,” Dog decides that he needs some splendid boots of his own, so he trots off to his local shoe shop to purchase a pair. While the boots are quite handsome, they are not particularly well-suited for digging, so Dog brings them back. Galoshes are great for digging, but not so much for swimming, so... The very appealing illustrations, replete with liveliness, warmth and charm, show Dog as he enthusiastically tries out a variety of footwear options and the ever-patient shopkeeper as he makes helpful suggestions and maintains an unusually generous return policy. After Dog’s failed experiments with the original boots, some galoshes, flippers, high heels and skis, he returns again, asking for “…something that’s good for digging and swimming and scratching and running. Oh, nice and furry too.” Could it be that Dog may already have what he needs? After getting an answer—and having an extremely gratifying romp—Dog returns home to start a new book, this one about a girl with a striking red hood. Uh oh! Children will identify with Dog’s good-natured struggle through trial and error, fall in love with the evocative and funny illustrations and laugh out loud at the satisfying ending. A truly enjoyable selection and a nice follow-up to a favorite fairy tale, just right for reading aloud.(Picture book. 3-6(Kirkus Reviews)