Perfect Pals

Irene Punt is a published author and elementary-school teacher in
Calgary, Alberta.

Four dog pals—Candy, Josie, Buddy, and Jake—loved playing at their
neighborhood park. “They loved this green and leafy park, / Their very
own special spot. / In winter it was never too cold, / In summer never
too hot.”

Unfortunately, Jake goes away for the summer, leaving the three smaller
dogs to fend for themselves. When two bullies named Riff and Raff stake
their territory and take over the park, playing together for the
stay-at-home dogs is no longer fun. So, late in August, the three dogs
go to the park for some temporary bliss. Again, Riff and Raff stalk and
corner them, but it’s for the last time—the bullies get a taste of
their own medicine when Jake returns from the cottage. “It doesn’t
pay to be a bully: / Riff and Raff lost out in the end. / They didn’t
count on their victims / Having a bigger, stronger friend.”

Written in rhyme, Perfect Pals lightly explores the themes of bullying
and friendship. June Bradford’s colorful illustrations enhance the
text with their comical appeal. Robert McConnell’s rhymes, however,
occasionally seem stiff and a bit forced. Not a first-choice purchase.