OODLES OF POODLES AND DOODLES

Calmenson’s latest rhyming book is a celebration of dogs, with some lessons on colors thrown in.

The dogs that appear here include both poodles and doodles (a mix of a poodle and another breed); they’re gathering for a Poodle Doodle Party. Each one brings, plays with, or interacts with something colorful, giving readers an introduction to both the basic colors (plus black, brown, white, and pink) and the general look of each breed. A poodle with a pink ribbon turns heads with a new haircut, an eager goldendoodle speeds around with the aid of his red wheelchair, and a beautifully patterned aussiedoodle proudly carries his long brown stick all over the park. The book’s ending takes a turn toward lessons in inclusion when a dachshund’s arrival initially sparks discord, but he’s quickly accepted as a froodle (“friend + oodle”). While the rhythms can be hit or miss and the complexity of the dog breeds may make learning about colors a bit challenging for younger readers, the cartoon illustrations are eye-catching and cheery; they keep the focus on the dogs, the colors, and the emotions. The child owners and their adults are racially diverse, and one adult woman wears a headscarf. The backmatter explores poodle varieties, the history of the first doodle, doodle combinations, and the book’s real-life inspiration.

A canine ode, ideal for poodle and doodle lovers (and froodles).