MY FRIEND ANDY

A dog meets a loving new pal.

Red-coated Fluffy narrates this heartwarming story in first, er, person. Fluffy lives with best friend Lilly and her mom. Every morning on their walk to the park, they pass gray-furred Andy and his guardian, an unhoused street musician. Fluffy's always happy to see Andy, but she isn’t permitted to play with him. One morning when Lilly and Fluffy are playing fetch, the ball goes into the street; Fluffy chases after it and gets lost. Andy appears and invites Fluffy to join him and his owner, promising they’ll help find Lilly tomorrow. The next day, Andy’s owner spots a “Missing” poster with Fluffy’s photo and address, and Fluffy and Lilly get their loving reunion. After a delicious dinner and a warm bath, Fluffy describes the adventure, explaining—in “dog language,” naturally—“I love my friend Andy. I’m sad we won’t be allowed to play together again.” Lilly listens, but Fluffy’s unsure she understands dogspeak. On the family’s next walk to the park, they encounter Andy and his owner, and friendships blossom between dogs and owners. Looks like Lilly understands after all. Readers, especially dog fanciers, will be moved by this affecting U.K. import and root for these personable pooches; loving friendships aren’t bound by species. The colorful, loose-lined illustrations are reminiscent of Quentin Blake’s work. Lilly, Mom, and the musician are tan-skinned; background characters are diverse.

After reading this touching tale, everyone will want to befriend these irresistible pups.