A DOG WITH NICE EARS

In this new installment of Child’s popular series, Charlie and his imaginative younger sister, Lola, dream about owning a new dog, but, as usual, Lola has fanciful ideas about what kind of dog they should choose.

Mom and Dad say, “Absolutely no dogs!” but all Lola will talk about is what kind of dog to get when her dad takes her to the pet store on Saturday. Their mom suggests a rabbit instead, but a rabbit “is not even the same as a squirrel,” let alone a dog. As the siblings discuss their future pet with Charlie’s friend Marv (who is white, like the siblings) and Lola’s friend Lotta (who is depicted with dark brown skin and curly black hair), Lola imagines a dog with nice ears to hold its glasses on, a puffy tail, a wiggly nose for sniffing, and hopping legs. These clues about Lola’s perfect pet lead naturally to the surprise at the end, when Lola returns from the store with a pet who looks more like a rabbit than a dog after all. An imaginary dog on a leash follows Lola through the mixed-media, digitally collaged illustrations until she brings home her new pet. Charlie’s response to his sister’s wild ideas models patience and encourages creative thinking.

A playful twist on an everyday adventure about choosing a new pet.