SOME DOGS

An ode to canines of all stripes.

Pup-loving kids especially, but even those still on the fence about dogs, will be sure to take to this board book like pet pooches take to walk time. Told in bouncy verses that read and scan well, the text describes the friendly-looking, well-cared-for canines herein in all their glorious diversity—these pooches vary by size, shape, color, height, weight, degree of furriness, and more—and celebrates all the ways different breeds walk, frolic, stay, and sit. But, the book emphasizes, despite the superficial things that set dogs apart from one another appearancewise, what unites them is what’s most important: “All dogs are the same / in their big canine hearts. // Dogs recognize and / accept one another— / they don’t care a bit about / size, shape, or color!” Adding to the charm of this little volume are the delightful, lovably cartoonlike interior and front- and back-cover illustrations: A bevy of cuddly breeds smile out at readers and sometimes at each other; their “portraits” are set against brightly colored, stylized scenes of nature. Some dogs wear collars; others, doggie outfits. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An appealing reminder that we can learn a lot from dogs.