  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 12/01/2016 McCardie narrates a story from her own childhood in this engaging nonfiction picture book. Amanda is four years old when her parents bring Sophie home from an animal shelter, and they made sure they were prepared for their new companion, with “a cozy bed and blankets, bowls for food and water, a toy to sleep with and one to chew, a ball, a leash, and a collar.” Teaching commands and going out for walks are just a few of the many daily activities needed to keep Sophie healthy and happy. Even though Sophie sometimes gets in trouble, Amanda and her folks are surprised when Sophie gets interested in a dog show. Rubbino’s lively multimedia illustrations in bright colors and expressionistic strokes nicely capture the playful atmosphere of McCardie’s genial, straightforward text. Factual dog tips in smaller print run alongside the main text, and additional info about dog care and behaviors reinforce the book’s focus. Little ones looking for helpful pointers about dog ownership will be well served by this breezy take. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 01/01/2017 PreS-Gr 3—After living in an animal shelter, Sophie the dog now has a home of her very own. The members of her new family have done their research and are very well prepared for her arrival. They have provided food, bedding, toys, and items to keep Sophie safe, such as a leash, collar, and name tag. Sophie is tentative at first but soon learns the routine of the family and even a few commands. Things are not always perfect, but there is plenty of love and forgiveness in her new home, and lots of fun, too. This title is chock-full of information for new and prospective dog owners. In addition to the main story line, there are also tips in an italicized font on each page for raising a dog and creating a healthy environment for it. Topics range from bathing and grooming to proper dog park etiquette. The illustrations, rendered in mixed media, are colorful and fun, with an added touch of whimsy. The endpapers are covered with canines of a variety of breeds, and readers will enjoy seeing how many they can identify, even though the breed names are not listed. VERDICT Ideal as a conversation starter for families contemplating adopting a dog, this will also serve as a handbook for the very young in the early stages of welcoming a furry addition to the family.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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