WEEZER CHANGES THE WORLD

Man’s best friend makes a bid to become mankind’s best friend in this tale of wagging tails and world peace. Though a normal puppy in every sense of the word, Weezer acquires a heightened intelligence when a bolt of lightning strikes him on the noggin. Suddenly the pup is interested in math, science and interior design. As time goes by, he tackles disaster relief, an end to disease, solutions to pollution and, finally, mediation between nations. His spate of good deeds comes to an abrupt end when a second lightning bolt renders him doglike once more. Fortunately the people of the world vow to carry on in his name. With this canine interpretation of “Flowers for Algernon,” McPhail tones down the didacticism, understanding that while having a message is important there’s no need to hit readers over the head with it. His customary watercolor washes are set against a series of white backdrops, resulting in a light and airy concoction that enjoys only the daintiest suggestion of a moral. (Picture book. 4-8)