PROUD DOG

What’s a pampered pup to do when a new baby arrives?

Dorothy, a blue-spotted dog, loves her two dads. They do everything together, including taking “long walks” and throwing “splendid dinner parties,” until one day, the arrival of a “noisy, floppy, screechy, smelly baby” turns everything upside down. The new addition upends their routines, drawing attention away from Dorothy. Seeing her dads stressed and overwhelmed, Dorothy tries to help but only causes more chaos. When the baby gets a persistent case of hiccups and her dads are at their wits’ end, Dorothy’s unique brand of assistance helps her and the baby to bond. This variation on the new-sibling theme is a loving look at the growing pains of sudden changes in family dynamics that features a family with two fathers. Davey’s monoprint, gouache, pencil, and digitally collaged art exudes energy, with the family’s expressive looks set against alternating warm blue and green tones and stark white backgrounds with rainbow pops throughout. The last spread features a vibrant Pride parade. The third-person narration from Dorothy’s point of view will make this story relatable to young readers in similar situations. The child and one adult are pink-skinned, while the other dad has tan skin and curly hair.

A supportive look at the feelings and realities inherent to a new family addition.