The Writer

March 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 1-This book takes a wry look at work from home and the need for companionship from a pet's point of view. An unnamed French bulldog doesn't understand his human's behavior. Why would anyone want to "tic-tic-tic" on a computer all day long, sometimes forgetting the basics such as food and exercise? Good thing the little Frenchie is around to nudge the writer in the proper direction-say, to the park to find a companion. Depicted in a muted palette, the drawings highlight the size difference between the human and their small pet, with people often appearing out of frame or slightly oversize for their surroundings. There is not a lot of action in this title, but readers will know that the little dog cares for its human. VERDICT While this is not an essential purchase, it may suit the shelf with titles on the pandemic; it does touch on some of the needs of those still working from home, from a more childlike point of view.-Heather Webb

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 1, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 *Starred Review* How's a dog to sleep when "he's already sitting there with his tic-tic-tic"? In this Italian import, Cal�'s spare, amusing text relates the frustrations of a black French bulldog with a white belly as its portly look-alike owner in black pajamas and white socks ("some days he doesn't even get dressed") types away at a keyboard. In a reversal of roles, the bulldog wonders what the writer (who, in the dog's opinion, has never appeared very intelligent) thinks about. Why, if it weren't for the bulldog, the writer wouldn't even remember to eat. Luckily, she also has a scheme to find the writer a human companion, which goes slightly awry when the writer disregards the bulldog's suggestion and cozies up to a woman with a look-alike dog of her own. Barengo's delicate illustrations, with muted-yellow backgrounds that give prominence to the intricately drawn black dog and owner, tell the real story in wordless and nearly wordless spreads. It's no small feat to not only depict an emotionally expressive French bulldog but make it adorable in the process. Readers can't help but laugh and empathize with the misunderstood pooch, especially when the woman and her Afghan hound move in. A waggish tale for those who understand dogs (or think they do).

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.