Sandwiches for Duke

Valentina Cesaratto is a high-school teacher specializing in dramatic
arts and film studies.

Josie lives on a farm with her mom, dad, twin brothers, and dog, Duke.
Duke, a thin, stray collie, limped onto the farm two years ago and both
Duke and Josie have been the best of friends ever since. They play
together and work together, and, when Mom isn’t looking, Josie sneaks
a sandwich for her companion.

One day, Josie’s father asks Josie and the twins to help him move
some stones in the field. Although the work is hard, everyone has such a
good time that they don’t notice the sky turning aqua-green—“a
tornado sky!” Rain suddenly starts falling and they all run to the
tractor—but it won’t start. Throughout the confusion everyone makes
it back to the house and takes shelter in the cellar—everyone, except
Duke. Josie is heartbroken, and blames herself for having lost track of
him. But the story ends happily. Duke finds his way home and gets to
enjoy, not just one sandwich, but a platter of them.

Judy Ann Sadler has written a story that is both heartwarming in its
portrayal of the endearing relationship between a young girl and her dog
and exciting as the family struggles to survive a tornado. Lorna
Bennett’s colorful, realistic illustrations wonderfully capture the
emotions of the characters and the awesome nature of the storm.
Sandwiches for Duke is Bennett’s first picture book. Highly
recommended.