Review by Booklist Review
A small brown dog meets a young girl, and a friendship blossoms. Jacoby's lyrical poem is narrated by the little pooch that approaches a girl as she's out walking with an adult. He politely asks her, "Can I sit with you?" The dog promises to be there for her whether she's happy or sad or lonely. Lovely, soft illustrations in differing shapes and sizes show the two in possible futures, playing together in summer grass, fall leaves, and winter snow. Even if she leaves him to spend time with her friends, he vows, "So if you hear another call or disappear from view / I'll understand the stray in you / it's in my nature, too." The girl is shown rushing home after their time apart, affirming the enthusiasm and happiness the two share at being together. Charming watercolor illustrations, created with NuPastel and mixed media, deftly reveal their growing friendship and dependency. The gently rhyming text and engaging pictures will appeal to youngsters who have or want a dog of their own.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A diminutive brown hound offers loyal companionship to a human no matter what the circumstances, a vow it voices in lyrical free verse through the refrain "Can I sit with you?" In opening pages, the alert dog, alone on the street, seems taken with a girl sporting straight black hair. "May I ask you a question?" it appears to inquire, and then launches into a lengthy, many-paged appreciation. Whether the girl is "brimming like a ringing bell" (she faces an intimidating throng of children), "lonely like an empty plate" (she walks with a lunch tray into a round, empty, gray space), crying and alone, or ready for a hug, the dog is game for an embrace. Finally, the two begin a life together and share a cozy armchair, the girl's face aglow with love. Watercolor and pastel artwork by Jacoby (Rabbit and the Motorbike) offers shifting, shimmering fields of color. Even the dog understands the emotional impact of the hues: "when you need a deep blue dark--/ Can I sit with you?" it says, planted by her side on a Prussian blue winter night. The dog doesn't worry when the girl meets friends or explores alone--"I'll understand the stray in you. It's in my nature, too"--offering a saintly, patient presence in this portrait of pure-hearted canine love. Ages 5--8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Mar.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--A young child and a stray dog find comfort and companionship in one another in this moving tale of unconditional love. Throughout the highs, lows, and in-betweens, the pair enjoy life together. Their connection helps ease the loneliness of tough school days and elevates the joy of experiencing new adventures. The transformative power of the dog's steadfast friendship builds the foundation for the child to open up to others and stand stronger. While the child grows both in age and independence, the dog's loyalty never falters. The purity of the dog's devotion is rewarded with the now older child's return and their mutual affection. Like a reassuring lullaby, the poetic text is graceful and earnest: "And even if you wander, ramble or roam, I know looking high and low can show you what you left at home." The expressive illustrations succeed in reinforcing the heartfelt tone of the story through softly blended watercolors and pastels. The child has pale skin and black hair, and inhabits a diverse world with background characters depicted in a range of skin tones and hair colors. VERDICT A touching ode to the formative experience of learning to love and being loved in return.--Sophie Kenney, Aurora P.L., IL
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A child and dog forge a life-altering bond. A scruffy brown dog meets a child on the street. Knowing intuitively they're meant to be together, it politely inquires, "May I ask you a question?" and later asks, "Can I sit with you?" The first-person narration assures the child it will remain "familiar, loyal, true" through shyness, loneliness, tears, and good times. Child and dog soon ride around town (on the subway and a basket-equipped bike), take walks, and frolic. As the simple text and lush illustrations clarify, a gradual, subtle shift in the duo's relationship dynamic occurs. The child, initially portrayed as a loner, eventually engages with the world with self-confidence and makes friends--as does the dog. The dog accepts it's OK they won't always sit alone together but knows its companion will always return: "I'll understand the stray in you. It is in my nature, too." At the end, the child (depicted with straight, dark hair and pale skin) returns to the jubilant pup from a "ramble" to these promising words: "I will sit with you." But the takeaway is tantalizing: Who's speaking to whom? This sweet, lovely tale should spark thoughtful conversations about friendship and empathy between children and adults. Pastel and watercolor illustrations brim with color and emotion, mirroring the protagonists' light and occasional somber feelings with every page turn. Young readers will want to sit with this pair. They're made for each other. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
