An engaging story about a Jack Russell terrier that, startled by the fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve, disappears through an open door. Molly has been happily joining in the festivities with Lisa and Max, the children in her household, who are devastated when a late-night search in the falling snow fails to recover their beloved dog. Next morning, however, a call to the animal shelter gets quick results, and when the family goes to thank the lady who took Molly in, they learn something of her adventures. The narration's sunny tone adds interest to the simple events, while Waas's nicely observed, softly rendered color illustrations have an empathy and good cheer recalling Lena Anderson's work. Lop-eared Molly's a charmer. (Easy reader. 5-8)
