ONE LAST SNOOT BOOP

Graff’s rhyming picture book tells the story of an adopted dog named Cuthbert.

After JJ and Matt adopt their new pet, they bring him to their Hollywood home. The puppy chews things and whines at night, but his owners are delighted by him: “He puked, oh dear! But still they smiled: / ‘He’s ours,’ they said, ‘our sweetest child.’” As the dog grows older, he forms a special bond with Matt, and the trio go on many long walks, chasing birds and squirrels and visiting the seaside: “At the beach he found delight, / in duck poop snacks (oh, what a sight!).” Cuthbert slows down as he reaches the end of his life; eventually, JJ and Matt must say goodbye to him, but they’ll always cherish their memories of their time together. Xiao’s soft, watercolor-style illustrations add much to the work, showcasing the full scope of Cuthbert’s life in a short span. The sometimes-cutesy rhymes referencing puke and duck poop won’t be to everyone’s liking, and at times, the book reads more like a sentimental tribute intended for fellow dog enthusiasts than a book for very young readers. That said, dog owners who treat their pets like children are likely to love this book. All human characters are portrayed with pale skin.

Sure to please dog lovers, but sometimes too twee for a general audience.