ARCHIE

The clothes make the dog in this nearly wordless, tongue-in-cheek homage to fashion and the power of creativity.

Felt artist and first-time author Gordon turns her talents to painting in this hilarious tale of dogs, fashion, the creative impulse and entrepreneurship. Big dog Archie, an Irish terrier or perhaps an Airedale, and his little cairn terrier live a quiet life until Aunt Betty sends a sewing machine in the mail. Soon, Archie’s nimble paws create a fetching olive coat for his pup, and every dog in town wants an outfit for its pet. They even hire Archie to design matching dresses and coats for both owner-dogs and companion-dogs. Droll, black-outlined watercolors pop from the creamy, uncluttered pages. Archie’s own dog plays the role of supporter, cheerleader, delivery boy and quality controller. Young readers will love following the fabric through manufacture to its eventual wearer, and Project Runway types will appreciate Archie’s limitless energy and dedication to finding just the right outfit for each customer. Anglophiles in the know will recognize the final phone customer, a corgi wearing a crown with a pet corgi in need of a new outfit. What will happen if Aunt Betty sends another gift—say, a table saw?

A tail-wagging delight for budding Coco Chanels everywhere.