BEST IN SHOW

A little girl named Abby helps train a white standard poodle in this predictable story about the world of show dogs. Abby helps her aunt, the “kennel keeper,” and the kennel owner with a new litter of puppies born to Abby’s dog, Jewel. Abby chooses a white female named Gem as her special puppy and helps with her care and early training for puppy shows. Gem advances through the competitive world of dog shows, and at a major show, Abby shows Gem in a Best of Show round after the dog’s regular handler is injured. Dog-show terms and concepts are used within the text but are often not adequately defined for those unfamiliar with this specialized world, particularly in the show sequence as Gem advances through the levels of the show to win the top prize. Day’s watercolor-and-pencil illustrations create distinct personalities for the charming little girl and appealing poodle. A final page of “infurmation” answers some questions about dog shows but doesn't make up for the lack of definitions. (Picture book. 4-8)