Night market rescue

Roused by a "sweet and spicy" scent on a cooling breeze, black-furred stray GoGo wanders solo on a hot summer's evening into unknown territory: one of Taipei's bustling night markets. Vendors line the streets with various treats, and GoGo dodges scooters and strangers, helping himself to "tasty, tender sausage bites/ while slurping ginger tea." Passersby pay him no mind as he maneuvers the stalls, snacking on scraps as they drop. While capitalizing on a fallen watermelon, he encounters a "scared lost stranger"--a child who quickly becomes a friend. Eager to show his new companion all he's discovered, GoGo guides the girl through the market, unwittingly leading her back to her parents' embrace. Cheng (A Moment in Time) draws on her own memories of Taiwanese night markets to write a lively readaloud about finding one's way home. Capturing a perhaps surprisingly subdued atmosphere, neat digital illustrations from Ren (Because) glow brightly in iridescent hues that grow more vibrant as the story reaches a happy ending for the solitary pooch. Ages 4--7. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary. (May)

A stray dog makes a friend in a Taipei night market. It's a hot, sticky summer evening when GoGo, a lean, dark-furred pooch who is sheltering from the heat, is woken by a breeze carrying a delicious smell. Following the spicy, sweet scent, he finds a market of stands selling fruits, vegetables, and street foods. GoGo dodges scooters, samples the foods, chases a cat…and comes across a small girl who is all alone. The two become immediate friends, but as GoGo leads her through the market, she suddenly stops following. She has found a couple who embrace her, leaving GoGo alone again. Or is he? The Taipei night market makes a fun setting for this familiar story of friendship and found family. Ren's vibrant illustrations glow with warmth and color, but they often lack the energy of the text. The delicately outlined inked drawings are charming and sweet but a bit too polished and precise to bring to life the bustling night market. Those familiar with Taiwanese night markets and street food will have fun recognizing the different vendor offerings, and others will enjoy the feeling of visiting a new country. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A low-key friendship story. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.