I Have Seven Dogs

April 15, 2023
A dog lover prevented from pet ownership finds a creative solution. "Our apartment is the perfect place for pillow forts and movie nights and family dinners," Zoe tells us. "Unfortunately, it is not the perfect place for dogs." But Zoe is a good problem solver, and the young narrator takes us on a walk around the neighborhood, where we meet a variety of dogs, from Wishbone, a Chihuahua whom Zoe reads to, to Marmalade, a Yorkie who has wheels in place of hind legs, to Gabby and Abby, Zoe's piano teacher's collies. Conversations with a neighbor at the community garden and later with big sister Meg lead Zoe to a great idea for a birthday party in the park...with all of Zoe's pals, human and canine. The celebration is a joyous event. Horan's straightforward, minimal text tells a cheerful story; the closest we get to anything negative occurs when Zoe admits to a pang of jealousy over a friend who has just adopted a pet dachshund. Overall, it's a sweet and gently humorous tale, with lively, colorful illustrations that bring to life a tightknit urban community. Young children will feel empowered witnessing how Zoe finds a way to deal with a seemingly insurmountable issue. Zoe, Meg, and their mother are light-skinned; their neighborhood is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An upbeat, charming reminder that any problem can be solved with the right attitude. (Picture book. 3-6)

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June 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 Zoe would love to have a pet dog, but her family's apartment just isn't suited. A walk through the neighborhood's new community garden with big sister Meg inspires a solution for problem-solver Zoe. Fluffy Blizzard, who "looks like [a] . . . pom-pom"; straight-haired Curly, who "didn't scare one squirrel today!"; and even bookstore reading buddy Wishbone, whose "favorite books are about dogs"--Zoe invites them all, along with their owners, to celebrate her birthday at the park. Instead of one dog, Zoe now shares many! Horan's first foray into picture books is expressively illustrated by Wulfekotte (The Remember Balloons, 2018), whose spunky pups and sweet siblings pack cheery personality into every page. Zoe breaks the fourth wall to make eye contact with the reader at times, bringing us in on her good-natured scheme. Beyond the story's appeal to animal admirers, Zoe's original approach toward satisfying her wish for a dog demonstrates an admirable emotional intelligence. This is a charming pick for dog lovers and an obvious selection for library "paws to read" programs.

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