Scuba Dog

Stephens uses the unlikely friendship between a dog and a whale to highlight the idea that "Sometimes friends don't need words." (Especially when they are underwater.) Her hero, an ocean-loving dog with white and golden fur, isn't terribly close to his fellow dogs, who prefer rocking out on land. After meeting a whale, the dog realizes that scuba lessons might let them spend more time together: "Off to the dive shop! Hit the books, and the pool. Pass the tests. Get the gear." Working in mixed media, Golden (The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk) brings a sweet camaraderie to the pages as the dog and whale "spin, whirl, and dive" underwater, before the whale departs. But Stephens's clipped lines don't draw much emotion out of the central relationship, and the story moves forward in fits and starts as the dog works on a craft project for his absent friend (and enlists the musician dogs' help in creating a song for her, too), before eventually getting a happy reunion. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Emily Mitchell, Wernick & Pratt Agency. Illustrator's agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (May)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2—When readers meet Scuba Dog, he is just a pup who loves the water. While the other dogs like to jam on the beach, he loves to sail his boat out and go for a swim. One day, while out enjoying a swim, he meets a whale, and they soon become fast friends but can't spend any real time together. Dog decides to solve this issue by taking scuba lessons. This book explains that no matter the barrier, whether it's language, interests, or location, if kids put in the effort, they can make friends. Golden's watercolor and crayon illustrations, especially for those scenes that take place under the sea, are beautiful. The text flows perfectly over (and sometimes within) the illustrations. The rhythm of the story is simple and would work well in a storytime setting or taken home and enjoyed one-on-one. VERDICT Readers will want to take a dive with Scuba Dog. A good choice for friendship collections.—Shana Morales, Windsor Public Library, Windsor, CT

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

When readers meet Scuba Dog, he is just a pup who loves the water. While the other dogs like to jam on the beach, he loves to sail his boat out and go for a swim. One day, while out enjoying a swim, he meets a whale, and they soon become fast friends but can't spend any real time together. Dog decides to solve this issue by taking scuba lessons. This book explains that no matter the barrier, whether it's language, interests, or location, if kids put in the effort, they can make friends. Golden's watercolor and crayon illustrations, especially for those scenes that take place under the sea, are beautiful. The text flows perfectly over (and sometimes within) the illustrations. The rhythm of the story is simple and would work well in a storytime setting or taken home and enjoyed one-on-one. VERDICT: Readers will want to take a dive with Scuba Dog. A good choice for friendship collections.— "School Library Journal"