IS THIS…SPRING?

A nature-loving pup overcomes seasonal allergies.

The playful dog enjoys everything about spring: romping, rolling around, and making “spring angels” in a blooming field. But when the pooch stops to smell the flowers, a sneezing fit ensues, conveyed in a hilariously over-the-top montage, complete with onomatopoeia: “Hurk! Haaa. Aaaah…CHOOOO!!” The dog returns home and sobs. “Spring is so special. How can I live now?” Happily, the pup’s tan-skinned owner has a solution: protective gear! With a bandanna and a pair of thick goggles, the pup may not be able to smell anything, but no matter. “I STILL LOVE SPRING!” Having experienced winter and Easter in previous outings, Yoon’s goofy, adorable canine approaches spring with the same zeal. Minimal text captures the pooch’s pure lust for life. Yoon’s sketchy, cartoonish illustrations are a necessary part of the storytelling, deftly portraying both action and emotion, from utter despondency to pure delight. The field of flowers looks lush enough to lie in, bursting with color and petals; the dotted tracks across the pages evoke pollen—and sneeze particles—floating in the air. Little readers will giggle at the dog’s silly anti-allergy getup, while similarly afflicted adults will chuckle at its effectiveness.

The joy—and angst—of spring, artfully depicted.