Enola's best friend

In this read for Sophie's Squash fans, Enola's grandmother, Mimi, radiates affirmation--whenever her granddaughter visits, "She let Enola stay up late. She made the best snacks," and she builds a sofa fort for Enola to sleep in. Grandma Mimi doesn't even blink when Enola becomes enamored of her first-ever hot dog and decides to make the "perfectly friend-shaped" comestible a chum. Acrylic ink and watercolor compositions, rendered in beachy colors and crisp lines, show impressively tattooed Grandma Mimi merrily obliging her granddaughter in the swimming pool, on the golf course, and even at bingo, where Hot Dog wins twice. But as the day draws to a close, Grandma's pet dog, Hoagie, finally devours Hot Dog in one gulp. "HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN!" wails a red-faced and tearful Enola, refusing to forgive either her grandmother or the hound. Though the ending feels a bit drawn out, Kordesh (Sam with Ants in His Pants), making her solo debut, pushes a goofy premise far enough to establish an unconditional affection between generations and species, as well as allow Enola to credibly find her way back to relationships that clearly mean the world to her. Enola and Mimi are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 4--8. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Aug.)

A youngster makes an unexpected, edible friend. Enola, a tiny tot with a wavy mop of brown hair, loves visiting Grandma Mimi. Grandma Mimi is the most easygoing, fun grandmother ever. She creates a blanket fort for Enola to sleep in, serves the best snacks, and even has an adorable pup named Hoagie. For lunch one day, Grandma Mimi makes hot dogs. Enola has never had one. Unfortunately, she can't eat it, because, as she observes, using a child's logic, it is "perfectly friend-shaped." (The hot dog has a squiggle of mustard and a tiny smile.) Putting Hot Dog in a stroller, the trio (plus Hoagie) have many adventures throughout the day. They go to the movies, swim in the pool, and even win at bingo (much to the dismay of others--"NO FAIR! Hot dogs can't play bingo!"). But then, the unthinkable happens. Hoagie…eats…Hot Dog. Great big sobs erupt from a furious, red-faced Enola: "MIMI, HOAGIE ATE HOT DOG! HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN!" For the rest of the night, Enola is inconsolable. Displaying a strong understanding of a child's sensibility, Kordesh concludes her silly yet spot-on tale with a reminder that accidents happen, but forgiveness is always possible. Surrounding friends in the cartoon art are diverse; bigheaded Enola and tattooed Mimi are pale-skinned. A frank look at conflict resolution. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.