AGAPANTHUS HUM AND MAJOR BARK

Cowley’s (Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses, 1999) spunky, bespectacled heroine acquires a pet as unabashedly unique as she is when a trip to the local shelter results not in the intended cat, but a dog. The energetic pup soon earns the name Major Bark—and a permanent place in the hearts of Agapanthus and her family. In fact, Agapanthus feels Major is so splendid that he should compete in the local dog show. Even in the world of purebreds, Major’s individuality shines like a beacon, earning him a snazzy blue ribbon—for the pooch with the smallest eyes. Cowley’s vivacious prose wraps readers up in its ebullience. In her signature whimsical style, she adroitly conveys the heady feeling of love that owners, new and old, have for their adored pets. “A hum fizzed in Agapanthus like cherry soda pop as she cuddled the little dog in the back of the car.” Separated into seven brief chapters and filled with pictures large and small, this works well for independent reading but can also be shared aloud with fledgling readers. Plecas’s playful full-color illustrations humorously portray canine ardor and high-spirited hijinks of both puppy and child. This sparkling addition to the adventures of Agapanthus gently reminds us all that it’s more than okay to be different: it’s cause for celebration. (Fiction. 5-8)