Fido Farnsworth is the best dog detective in the world, and he’s in search of the perfect child. But does the perfect child exist? What should he look for? Some say it’s creativity, but painting the outside of the refrigerator could be considered creative, couldn’t it? Kindness to animals is said to be a plus, but would the perfect child bring a tiger home? It could be the ability to appreciate nature, having a sense of style, helping with chores, eagerness to bathe and having many interests, but as the illustrations show, these attributes can be interpreted in many different and humorous ways. Finally, Fido asks some children if they have seen the perfect child, and they have indeed; Fido’s quest is at an end. Addressing the reader, he explains, “I’ve found you, and you are the perfect child.” Appealing watercolor-and-ink illustrations depict many mischievous youngsters enjoying themselves throughout. While perhaps a trifle thin, the celebration of childhood is engaging nonetheless, and the feel-good message at the end will not fail to draw a smile. (Picture book. 3-6)
