D is for dog

A rambunctious romp with all things pup. This exuberant alphabetical "leash on life," a U.K. import, will please dog lovers and may even turn less enthusiastic kids into canine fanciers as they scamper through the ABCs with different dog breeds. (Everyone will appreciate "P is for poop.") Each letter describes something a dog is doing, feeling, or being: "A is for action," "F is for flopping," and "M is for muddy." ("X marks the spot for an excellent hole.") The rousing narrative is delivered in vivacious verse, as lively as the gaggle of Labradors "leaping with lolloping joy" after a Frisbee. (This is a nifty vocabulary developer, too.) Each double-page spread features one to three letters, with each letter represented by a dog breed whose name begins with that letter. ("H is for happy" depicts a husky panting over a bone, while "I is for itch" is accompanied by a scratching Irish wolfhound.) Each letter is highlighted in large, colored, capitalized type. Dog breeds aren't named within the text, but a helpful "dog dictionary" on the final pages identifies each pup depicted within so readers can match the dog to its letter; a pronunciation guide for some breeds would have been helpful. The illustrations are animated and cheerful. A QR code links to an audio recording of the book--a nice touch. D is for delightful--readers are barking up the right tree with this tale.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.