The Swedish duo that produced the popular Sam books team up for their third book featuring the mischievous and appealing bullterrier Rosa (Rosa Moves to Town, 1997, etc.). Once again, the perky puppy stands in for the average preschooler, as she struggles mightily with the issues of self-control, curiosity, and courage. Rosa’s human “aunt” needs to have Rosa cared for during the day and selects a doggy day-care center for her charge. Youngsters will quickly discover that Rosa’s day-care experiences parallel their own: she has to manage the unique personalities and quirks of her companions while adapting to new routines and rituals. However, a story that begins quietly as a sweet, quotidian catalogue of the day-care experience takes an anxious and scary turn at the close. While on a walk in the park with her doggy companions and their caretaker ladies, the adventurous and ever-curious Rosa ventures onto a frozen pond to investigate the catch of some ice fishermen. She promptly falls through the fishing hole into the freezing-cold water. The fishermen grab Rosa by the ears and pull her to safety. Back at day care, Rosa, now safe and warm, cuddles with her friends until her aunt comes to take her home. All’s well, etc. Eriksson’s soft colored-pencil drawings are rich in endearing details. Rosa and her companions are smartly rendered, with far more fully formed personalities than their human companions. The text is dense on the page when compared with the typical American picture book, and this Rosa story is better shared on the lap than with a group. Best for established fans. (Picture book. 3-6)
