Jack is a small, copper-and-white-spotted dog who lives in a family that includes a gray-striped cat and a boy with copper-colored hair. In this wordless story, the family awakens and begins their busy morning routine of getting ready for school and work. The little boy feeds the cat but is distracted when it is time to feed Jack. Despite Jack’s frantic bids for attention, the family leaves for the day, but the little boy finally remembers his faithful friend and returns to feed the dog. Jack is an appealing character with perky ears and a variety of beguiling expressions, and sharp-eyed children will notice that the pattern of tiny spots on Jack’s nose exactly matches the pattern of the freckles on the boy’s face. The pastel illustrations are fairly utilitarian, though varying perspectives and Jack’s spunky personality provide additional interest. A companion title, Jack and the Missing Piece (ISBN: 1-932425-17-9), introduces an Asian-American friend for the little boy. (Picture book. 3-6)
