Labrador Retrievers.

Children will readily recognize the breeds of dogs in these lovely introductions to dog families. They’ll also discover some interesting things about them. For example, cocker spaniels are “animal lovers” themselves, although forcing spaniels to live with cats may be problematic. Historically, Dalmatians were “coach dogs,” used to protect coaches from being robbed, then fire rescue dogs, which gave them their mascot status on fire trucks to this day. Labrador Retrievers emphasizes such things as the importance of exercise and nutrition for big dogs. Poodles discusses choosing appropriate chewing and fetching toys and preparing for a puppy’s arrival.

Each of the books utilizes a similar format: kid-friendly large-print type, with just enough text on each page for a beginning reader; a table of contents inviting the reader to examine the distinguishing characteristics of each breed; and a brief history of the dog type. Each book also features an informative section about preparing for a puppy’s arrival, including tips on how to make a home safe. The language is accessible for young readers, with key words highlighted in bold type and included in the glossary at the back of the book. The photography in each of the picture books is noteworthy, and the publishers have made some deliberate and commendable inclusive gender decisions. Also intriguing are the photographs of “dog occupations” in assisting during emergencies and helping visually challenged people navigate. These books are wonderful contributions to the picture book genre, and readers will be eager to explore their colourful, easy-to-understand pages. All of the books in this series are highly recommended.