PAWCASSO

Jo’s little lie of omission becomes a serendipitous opportunity for new friendships.

Already lonely on the first day of summer break, Jo Lin spots a dog walking alone while carrying a basket in its mouth. Intrigued by this scene, Jo follows the dog and is amazed when he visits different stores and is given items from a shopping list. At his last stop, Jo is recognized by some children taking an art class and mistakenly identified as the dog’s owner. Initially Jo tries to correct their mistake, but the promise of new friendship keeps her from telling the truth. She allows the art class to use the dog as their model, calling him Pawcasso. Pawcasso’s increasing notoriety as the shopping dog stirs up attention and prompts a divisive communitywide debate around dog leashing. With each passing day Jo struggles with being honest and potentially losing the new friendships she’s come to value. The bright colors and cartoonlike style reflect the lighthearted tone and whimsical elements of the story. Exaggerated facial expressions and dramatic eyes heighten the humor and add quirky charm. Pawcasso is drawn with warm, expressive features that give him an endearing quality. Details of their home life cue light-skinned, black-haired Jo and her family as Asian; her community is populated with a diverse mix of people.

Pawsitively charming.