“Does Mr. Portly like dogs?” asks the cashier. “Well, Zander Portly can be quite persnickety, but I’m sure he will,” says Mrs. Portly, “once he gets used to the idea.” Thus begins the adventure of a five-dollar puppy named Snack, purchased by Mrs. Portly when her husband, an art collector, is away. But Mr. Portly is persnickety beyond measure and has rules about rules—especially about a small, sweet dog like Snack, who loves Mrs. P. and is loved back. Alas, his return almost spells the end of the relationship until the personable pup saves the day in a rather clichéd ending: He chases a thief who has stolen a goodly number of paintings—and recovers them. The upscale couple seems very real, as does good dog Snack. A stronger story would have emerged with fewer words, because Davenier’s lively watercolors carry and advance the narrative. They come alive with every brushstroke, allowing pup and people to walk off the page. Many wags and woofs for the art but fewer for the wordy text and predictable ending. (Picture book. 4-8)
