Sweet Senior Pups (True Tales of Rescue)

Although the information presented is of high interest and accurate, some more scientifically minded readers may be put off by the use of animal voices. 

Gr 2-5--Narrated by Mino, a 15-year-old blind Pomeranian that lives at the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, this title is a love poem to senior dogs and the animal sanctuaries that care for them. Mino shares his history as a lost and then rescued dog, explains how senior dogs are "sugarfaces" (their white muzzles look like they are dipped in sugar), and life at the shelter. Mino's roommates--Buffy, a 12-year-old miniature pinscher and Jack, a 14-year-old poodle--act as co-storytellers and each are given their own chapter. Mino carefully explains how to care for, feed, and love older dogs; the tone is a bit sentimental but there are enough realistic details included to pique more inquisitive readers. The text covers forever homes and even death in a entry called "Rainbow Bridge." Volunteers at the sanctuary as well as adoptive families are featured with lots of personal stories and photos. While much of this title might seem a little precious, the book incorporates a lot of salient information regarding animal health care, including food and toy suggestions as well as how to support local shelters. VERDICT Dog lovers (maybe even cat lovers) will enjoy this entry in the series.--Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City