THE RESCUES FINDING HOME

Two shelter dogs win over both a human visitor and a new feline companion in this cozy adoption story.

Moose has one eye and two toys, Bear has three legs and a ball, and the two are fast friends. One day they draw the notice of Cathy—a brown-skinned adult human visitor who hugs them lovingly and takes them to a new and bigger space, where they can romp and make friends with Mailman Joe. When a fence appears that’s too tall to jump over but not quite low enough to dig under, they have an adventure, then are surprised to meet Tiger, a shy, frightened new friend in the yard. Cathy, too, is surprised but welcomes Tiger with a bath and a warm blanket. Despite lots of vigorous play and a lullaby sung by Moose, nervous Tiger still has trouble falling asleep come bedtime but closes his eyes at last once Moose and Bear have “snuggled in close to their new brother.” The sweetness may be laid on here with a trowel, but the two pups brim with unselfconscious vim, their doggy dialogue adds comic notes (“ ‘I have been thinking,’ said Moose. ‘You do not look like a bear.’ ‘That’s funny. I have also been thinking,’ said Bear. ‘You do not look like a moose’ ”), and the easy acceptance they and their adoptive human offer to the timorous new arrival will draw enthusiastic responses from younger audiences.

Warm and snuggly.