DALMARTIAN

In space, no one can hear you howl.

Deep in the dark of night, a spaceship lands in a suburban backyard, and three aliens, resembling green-spotted Dalmatians, collect samples of the local flora and fauna. Suddenly, in a scenario straight out of E.T., the visitors are interrupted in their work and accidentally end up leaving one of their own behind in their haste to flee. Fortunately, Stephen, the light-skinned boy residing in the home, is happy to invite his new guest in. As the two acclimate to each other, the guest must continually assert himself when Stephen tries to treat him like a regular dog. That means offering the guest slightly more delicious breakfasts (when the alien tries Stephen’s bacon, his ears start to look like wavy green bacon, and his eyes water with joy), as well as figuring out sleeping arrangements and dog park etiquette. The first night, the alien’s crewmates don’t return, but the second night they do. Now the visitor must decide: Where exactly is “home”? Rendered in ink and charcoal and finished digitally, the illustrations feature a pup who resembles nothing so much as an early Snoopy. The gentle narrative is told in an offhand style that diminishes none of its emotional impact. This variation on the classic “boy and his dog” story is sure to be beloved by more than just pup lovers.

A loving look at a friendship that spans the stars above.