I, Trixie, Who is Dog
PreSchool-Grade 2—Trixie Koontz is one exuberant pet. Self-assured in her canine persona, she admits that not everyone is meant to be a dog; after all, the pup explains, people and animals must provide necessary support to their frisky friends. She reasons that people pay dogs the required attention they deserve, cats provide hours of amusement, and birds encourage dogs to dream of flight (though Trixie simply cannot fathom the usefulness of skunks). Initially, many of her examples suit the energetic narrative. Ultimately, however, her random musings result in an awkward presentation when her thoughts turn to her own internal interests and ambitions. The didactic conclusion stunts the lighthearted story. Cleland's watercolor and pen-and-ink spreads lend cheerful color to the vignettes, and Trixie's a lovable pup with her rosy cheeks, large grin, and red bows tucked behind her ears. Unfortunately, the final product reveals more bark than bite.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.