Rescue Pup

Carol L. MacKay is a children’s librarian living in Bawlf, Alberta.

Shakespeare isn’t like the other dogs at Seeing Eye Kennels. He
understands human talk. It’s an ability that will come in handy when
he becomes a full-fledged Seeing Eye dog. But for now, Shakespeare is
going to a foster home, where a family will care for him until he’s
ready for training. At his temporary home he meets Tessa, a troubled
foster child. Tessa’s schoolmates call her “Stoneface” because she
seems cold and uncaring. In true puppy-dog style, Shakespeare sets out
to warm her cold demeanour.

Jean Little’s entertaining story contains a few predictable elements.
Along with the main plot line of a troubled youth saved through the
unconditional love of a pet, there is also a “Lassie moment” when
Rescue Pup saves the day by getting help for an incapacitated accident
victim. But Shakespeare is a delightfully more complex character that
one would expect: he has fears and worries, and as a puppy, makes his
fair share of mistakes, just like Tessa. The snappy dialogue, especially
the canine inner talk, can be funny and at other times, quite touching.

Young readers will be satisfied with the bittersweet ending. While
Rescue Pup must go on to new adventures and leave Tessa behind, readers
know that the lives of both dog and girl are much more enriched for
their having known each other.

Hanne Lore Koehler provides the cover art and a half-dozen full-page
illustrations that are irresistibly appealing, guaranteeing that this
early chapter book will see a lot of action on library and bookstore
shelves. Recommended.