BE GENTLE WITH THE DOG, DEAR!

Based on the author’s own family’s experiences, this is sure to strike a chord with anyone who has both small children and a furry pet. Matt and Jin love Tag, and he loves them back. “Then there’s Elisa, their daughter. She’s a precious baby...when she’s sleeping.” When she’s not, poor Tag endures squeezing, tail-pulling and tackling. Wonderful dog that he is, he puts up with it all until she takes his favorite toy. But even when he growls at her, it’s Elisa that gets the titular lecture from Matt. And maybe at last it has sunk in—her first word is “gentle.” Here’s hoping that libraries can keep the endpapers showing—there may be a sequel in the works about the family cat. Baek’s illustrations perfectly capture life between a toddler and a dog. Plain-colored backgrounds and simple details keep the focus on their interactions, while visible paint strokes provide texture. Tag’s facial expressions are priceless and leave no doubt as to his inner thoughts. Empathy well taught. (Picture book. 2-5)