My dog smudge

Rim's sunny lift-the-flap book winsomely attempts a dog bark translation. "Most dogs bark," simple first-person narration opens; "My dog Smudge, does not." Heading to a barnyard, a light-brown-skinned protagonist queries its residents with the repeat question, "Excuse me, do you know what my dog is saying?" From pig to cow and beyond, each animal redirects to another. "BLIIZIZP" the white-and-black pup vocalizes; "Neighhhhhh, that's not Horse. However, I detect a tad bit of buzz," replies a friendly-looking equine figure. After Owl, too, confesses ignorance, the child cheerfully abandons their efforts, leaving the dog to close out the story with a final, more easily decipherable sound. Set against white pages, spare visuals have a casual, sketch-like quality that incorporates loose scribbles and thick smudgy coloring. The naive vibe pairs ideally with the book's simple plotting, resulting in a warmly playful story about two loved ones reaching an understanding. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 2--A young narrator wonders what beloved dog Smudge is trying to say. Rim's text uses playful repetition ("Excuse me, do you know what my dog is saying?") to capture the curiosity and earnestness of a child's voice. Page after page, the child poses this question to different farm residents, but no one quite knows. Ultimately, the narrator realizes that even without understanding Smudge's words, they always know exactly what Smudge means. The illustrations, created with pencil and digital techniques, are warm and inviting. Smudge's expressive face and the child's inquisitive eyes shine through soft lines and gentle textures, capturing the unspoken bond between pet and owner. Subtle shifts in color and background details create visual variety while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. An interactive lift-the-flap element adds extra engagement, inviting young readers to uncover surprises along the way. Themes of connection and empathy resonate strongly, making this a gentle reminder that love often transcends language. The repetitive structure and simple text make it accessible to emerging readers, while the underlying message will resonate with anyone who has experienced or wished for the special relationship between humans and their animal companions. VERDICT A sweet, heartwarming tale that celebrates the universal language of friendship and understanding. A recommended choice for sharing one-on-one or in small group read-alouds.--Rose Garrett