Roz Silva

Roz Silva’s fun rhyming tale, of two dogs on their leashes, is beautifully accompanied by Sue Ann Erickson’s deceptively simple illustrations. Together they make a story where the pictures are just as important as the words, each complementing the other, rather than going their separate ways as they do in some books. The rhymes are enjoyably fun and unforced, the characters include neighbors and friends every child will relate to having seen—from UPS woman, to gardener, to policewoman with her dog. There’s excitement, doggy howling, children home to play, and a trip to the dog park where, at last, the two pets run off leash. And there, as an added bonus, is a list of wise, dog park instructions to guide parent and older child in the etiquette of playing publically with pets.

Playmates is more than a list of adventures though, and a final map invites children to read images, think critically, and realize how scenes can come together to form a tale. Not a random walk, but a walk with a purpose, and lots of unspoken questions to keep small readers coming back, over and again, to find out more.

Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review… (mehr)

I love dogs, and I love Sue Ann Erickson’s illustrations of four great dogs on the cover to this book. Her pictures dominate the pages inside as well. Bright, fun, and filled with the sort of detail that’s bound to catch a small child’s hands and eye. There are pathways to trace, toys to find, all sorts of things “spread out on our lawn,” as Tank Takes It All in the first tale. The text is clear, short and simple; it’s easy to read while a distracted child looks for clues, and it's easy to pick up the thread when the page is turned. Rhyming is nicely unobtrusive, and the storyline is pleasing and fun.

Once Tank’s lawn has been cleared, readers move on to meet the Scaredy-Cat Dog – a perfect hero for all those kids who’ve been called names, she protects her home from the evil garbage truck. Then there are guard dogs Rocky and Ready, proving dogs might not be so scary as they look, so don't judge your friends by appearances either.

I really enjoyed this book and would love to share it with a small child, though I’d probably remind the child at the end that real dogs aren't always safe.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy and I love it!… (mehr)