NIGHT MARKET RESCUE

A stray dog makes a friend in a Taipei night market.

It’s a hot, sticky summer evening when GoGo, a lean, dark-furred pooch who is sheltering from the heat, is woken by a breeze carrying a delicious smell. Following the spicy, sweet scent, he finds a market of stands selling fruits, vegetables, and street foods. GoGo dodges scooters, samples the foods, chases a cat…and comes across a small girl who is all alone. The two become immediate friends, but as GoGo leads her through the market, she suddenly stops following. She has found a couple who embrace her, leaving GoGo alone again. Or is he? The Taipei night market makes a fun setting for this familiar story of friendship and found family. Ren’s vibrant illustrations glow with warmth and color, but they often lack the energy of the text. The delicately outlined inked drawings are charming and sweet but a bit too polished and precise to bring to life the bustling night market. Those familiar with Taiwanese night markets and street food will have fun recognizing the different vendor offerings, and others will enjoy the feeling of visiting a new country. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A low-key friendship story.