Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Simplicity is the hallmark of this collaboration between Corderoy (No!) and Beardshaw (the Lola books). Dog rambles through the woods toting his vintage suitcase, which is filled with special things that include a pinecone, a smooth rock with a hole in it, a feather, a really good stick, and leaves that dance when tossed in the air. I have everything I need! Dog announces before falling asleep on his suitcase, which was just the right size for one. Dog awakens, however, to find a visitor--Mouse--snuggled up beside him. The two bond instantly, and when Mouse departs, Dog realizes that he needs something else after all. He goes in search of his new friend to help him discover what he's missing, which is, of course, a who rather than a what. Beardshaw's mixed-media art subtly incorporates patterns (in tree trunks, leaves, flowers) while capturing the characters' mutual affection. The suitcase turns out to be a perfect bed for two, and this warm story is similarly just right for sparking conversations about friendship and what's genuinely important. Ages 3--7. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-Dog carries a blue suitcase everywhere he goes; it holds all of his special things. A stick, a button, a feather, and a pinecone are just some of the treasures stored inside. After playing with them the whole day, he sits down to watch the moon rise. "'I have everything I need,'" he tells the stars, and so he snuggles contentedly off to sleep on top of his suitcase. Waking the next morning, he finds he is not alone. During the night, Mouse has curled up to sleep on the suitcase as well. Dog doesn't like that, "'because all my special things are in there." Mouse promises to leave after one small peek inside. That eventually leads to a game of hide-and-seek, and then Mouse goes on his way. Suddenly lonely, Dog sets off to find him, deciding that friendship is far better than the contents of his suitcase. They soon discover that the top of the suitcase has plenty of room for two. This is a pleasant tale, enhanced by the endearing and expressive characters. The soft mixed-media illustrations use a touch of collage as well as colored ink. The layout is suitable for sharing in groups or for one-on-one reading.- Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When he makes a new friend, a self-reliant little dog soon realizes that life alone can have its downside.Dog is pleased with his big blue suitcase, which hes filled with his special possessions: a bumpy little pinecone, a smooth rock with a hole in it, some dancing leaves, a really good stick, a soft, tickly feather, and a big shiny red button. Confident and happy, he sets off to watch the moon and then snuggles down for the night on top of his suitcaseonly to find in the morning hes got company, in the form of a small mouse asleep next to him. Incensed, he demands this intruder leave, relenting a bit after Mouse admires his things and then agreeing to play one tiny game of hide-and-seek. When Mouse goes off on his own, the woods seem unusually quiet for Dog. What or who could Dog be missing? A combination of collage, gouache and crayon creates lovely and serene forest scenes in which individual personalities can balance each other in mutual camaraderie. The friendship themereminiscent of Frog and Toad or Ernest and Celestineis quietly subtle and touching, with just the right amount of charm.This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
