I DON’T WANT A POSH DOG

The little girl in the red dress and red shoes knows exactly what kind of pooch she wants and exactly what she does not want. A few rhyming and rhythmic words describe each choice, and lively mixed-media pictures expand on them. “[A] snappy dog” has a mean face while “A growly, never-happy dog” snarls and wears a chain around his neck. The little girl in red “just want[s] a silly dog. / A sweet willy-nilly dog” to play with and hug, and it’s plain that that fuzzy, square-faced dog is so exactly right that they will be happy—together. “I want a dog / I can call / MY DOG!” Full openings on different-colored papers carry textured illustrations that add humor and personality as the little girl reacts to the pups. Large images with broad, black outlines against generous negative space really draw readers’ eyes to the almost-tactile surfaces and make this a terrific choice for sharing with groups. Endpapers show dog biscuits, and this book certainly deserves many. It should be a treat to children and older dog lovers alike. (Picture book. 4-7)