From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4–This charming story follows the routine of a veterinarian and her dog as they spend a busy day together. Paw describes how they travel to the clinic, where April examines sick animals and he sings "soothing songs" to make the creatures in the waiting room feel better. After a trip to the park, it's time for home, dinner, and bed. The day begins and ends with April giving Paw a "ten-point checkup" that covers him from nose to tail and finishes with a hug. Done in watercolor and colored pencil, the childlike artwork creates an upbeat mood that reflects the tone of the narrative. People of different ethnicities are depicted, along with a variety of animals. The colors are warm and appealing and the details are engaging. Children will like the comfort of April and Paw's daily routine as well as the balance between work and play that is exhibited in the pictures. The message that love is the key to good health is gently expressed throughout.
–Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PreS-Gr. 2. Lee, the creator of
The Very Kind Rich Lady and Her One Hundred Dogs (2001), focuses on only one pooch this time in a sunny friendship story. Spotted Spaniel Paw describes a day with his much-adored owner, April, a vet, beginning with the morning checkup, which April administers with praise: "your eyes, so bright! . . . your ears, so clean! . . the whole of you, so lovable!" Then it's off to the office, where Paw soothes jittery patients with songs; a romp in the park; and finally dinner at home, more checkups, and bedtime. The story of the daily routine is slight, and some of Lee's images, particularly close-ups of Paw, are muddied. But Lee echoes a child's sensibilities in naive-style illustrations and repetitive words that reflect a young kid's sweet, improvised nonsense. Children with their own beloved pets will recognize the exclusive bond between April and Paw, and the simple, recurring message ("Love. Love. Love") is a bright reassurance that is nicely extended by the busy, stylish paint-and-pencil images of the affectionate friends.
Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
