Lost and Found

Joan Weller is head librarian at the West Branch of Ottawa Public
Library, and the children’s literature reviewer for the Ottawa
Citizen.

Award-winning author Jean Little’s latest novel is suggested for younger children. As a first novel for middle readers, its appeal rests with its simple, fast-moving plot and its easy vocabulary and theme.

New in town, young Lucy finds herself lonely and worried about whether she will make new friends just before school begins. To her rescue comes a stray dog. Lucy quickly adopts the lost dog as her substitute friend. Encouraged, however, by her parents to find Trouble’s owner, she finds herself in turmoil. Not wanting to lose the dog, yet acknowledging his loneliness, she is put to the test. Nan, a potential friend, plays detective, much against Lucy’s wishes. Finally, the dogs owner is found. The young heroine’s sorrow is lightened by her own acquisition of a pet and, more importantly, a true friend in Nan.

The book is neatly divided into 17 chapters. The author’s easy writing style, with her emphasis on smooth-flowing dialogue, will win over children reading on their own. The book also lends itself to being read aloud. The book’s six black-and-white line drawings are unappealing and really unnecessary here.

Children aged eight to ten will empathize with the heroine’s position, her feelings, and her reactions. Identification with Lucy’s loneliness, her need for friendship, and her final growth will win Jean Little renewed friends among younger readers.