Whether portraying an airborne dachshund, an adventurous mutt, or a pocket pet, these indie picture books point out just how fun canine companionship can be:
Max the Flying Sausage Dog: Tails from the Pound, with text by John O’Driscoll and Richard Kelley and illustrations by Arthur Robins, features a young boy named Tom and his dachshund, who can fly by whirling his tail. After a policeman takes the dog in, Tom dreams of an adventure involving Max and the queen of England. Kirkus’ reviewer noted this series installment’s “peppery wit,” “deft storytelling, humor, and heart.”
Dagny McKinley’s sequel The Adventures of a Girl & Her Dog: In the Snow, illustrated by Ostap Stetsiv, tells of a much calmer outing in which its unnamed protagonists explore the wonders of wintry nature. Along the way, the dog happily digs in the snow and licks the girl’s face. Kirkus’ reviewer highlighted the work’s “richly detailed” illustrations: “A nightscape washed in shades of blue reflects the peacefulness that follows a busy day.”
Mitzi the Dish Rag Dog’s main character was inspired by author Francisco A. Figueroa’s real-life pet, whom illustrator Savannah Cudzilo gives “a
winsome expression.” Kirkus’ reviewer pointed out the “warmth and sincerity” of this “slight but sweet dogcentric tale,” which possibly makes the strongest case for dog ownership of any of these three books: “Everyone is my friend / Any time and any place,” narrates Mitzi. “Just come a little closer / And I’ll lick you in the face.”
David Rapp is an Indie editor.
