TO SEE THE MOON

Under a new December moon, young Diane gets her first sled dog. As the months slide by, Kimo the dog slowly gets acquainted with his stock-in-trade, and newcomer Bacon introduces readers to poetic names for the full moons: January's Wolf Moon, February's Snow Moon, the Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon, November's Frost Moon. Kimo was the runt of the litter, and Diane's brother is less than supportive of their efforts; but girl and dog improve steadily. At year's end, they enter their first race, and triumph. This muted tale of inspiration is most effective in its example of how to treat a pet: with patience, respect, and trust. That Kimo wins his race is nice, but that Kimo gets to sleep in Diane's bed is even nicer (it's beside the point whether sled dogs really get to come inside). The occasional shards of sled-dog training arcana are a bonus. Ray's illustrations are bold, but, for all the emphasis given to the different moons, they never vary much. Still, a generous and tender story. (Picture book. 4-8)