LONE WOLF

A beloved pet questions her place in the world.

Maple, the Parkers’ dog, loves her routines: tug of war with Jax, reading with Avery, and extra-long walks with Mom or Dad. She fits right in as the family’s fifth member. But, out in the neighborhood, people question whether Maple truly belongs. Is she a husky or a wolf? Most say wolf. The Parkers try to convince everyone otherwise, but even Maple begins to have her doubts. She looks like a wolf. She hunts like a wolf. She howls like a wolf and digs like a wolf. Maple’s soul-searching eventually leads her to dart off into a nature preserve near the Parkers’ home. But out in the wild, the ground is tougher and the squirrels are harder to catch. Before too long, Maple misses her pack of humans. Will she make it back in time for her evening walk? Kurpiel’s debut is a tender family story about belonging despite appearances. The cartoon illustrations are packed with small details that enhance the story beyond the text (such as the chewed-up stuffed animals that are Maple’s prey). One especially delightful page turn breaks the frame in multiple places with a hilarious super-close-up. The family presents white, and community members are diverse in skin tone. Avery uses an electric wheelchair. The doggy-filled endpapers also depict a wheelchair-using bull terrier.

Pawsitive vibes all around. (Picture book. 4-8)