Furry and feathered friends

Dogtown

Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko
(Feiwel and Friends 2023)

Chance the three-legged dog lives at an animal shelter but has given up hope of adoption, unlike many other “boo-hoos.” Even if she did want to be adopted, kids who visit the shelter prefer robot dogs, specifically one called Metal Head. But Metal Head doesn’t care for the attention and wants to get back to his owners, whatever the cost. By accident, Chance joins Metal Head’s escape plot. During their adventure, she realizes she misjudged the robodog and rediscovers some optimism. A few cautions: There are several slightly rude moments, and sensitive readers might be unsettled by discussions of putting dogs down. Otherwise, it’s a cheerfully illustrated story about two friends who learn from each other even though they don’t look alike. Ages 8-12

Just Like Millie

Lauren Castillo
(Candlewick 2024)

This is the story of a very shy little girl: Just the thought of joining a bookstore reading group makes her burst into tears. One day, the girl and her mother visit an animal shelter where they adopt a brown-and-white dog named Millie. On their daily walks, affectionate Millie inspires the little girl to chat with strangers and tiptoe out of her comfort zone. The story has a pleasant ending, but some readers might wish there was more to it. Still, children who struggle with making friends may find the tale relatable and comforting. In addition to a tender storyline, the picture book has vibrant illustrations reminiscent of The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Ages 3-7

The Lost Library

Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass
(Feiwel and Friends 2023)

Evan is nervous about graduating from elementary school, but his anxieties vanish when he stumbles upon a little free library. Inside the curious box—no one knows where it came from—he finds books from the Martinville Library. There’s just one problem: The Martinville Library burned down years ago. Everyone seems to have a different story about why the library caught fire. With his friend Rafe and Mortimer—the fluffy orange cat who guards the little library—Evan embarks on a mission to discover what really happened. The story has elements of a mystery novel and includes a couple of amiable ghosts. While the cover touts self-discovery and “owning your truth,” the book focuses on themes of bravery and loyalty. Ages 9-12

Orris and Timble: The Beginning

Kate DiCamillo
(Candlewick 2024)

Orris the rat lives alone in a barn. He doesn’t have friends, but at least he has a yellow marble, a red velvet slipper, and a sardine can. On an otherwise ordinary evening, a young owl named Timble gets caught in a mousetrap. At first, Orris decides to mind his own business since owls and mice aren’t usually kindred spirits. Taking a cue from the slogan on his sardine tin, “Make the good and noble choice,” Orris comes to the owl’s rescue, wondering all the while if he’ll be Timble’s lunch. But the rat quickly learns he’s made a friend, and this book is the first installment of their adventures together. There’s not much action, and the text is quite simple, so this picture book might make for a great bedtime story. Ages 5-8