One Hundred Bones
(One Hundred Bones)

Zommer's text captures the open-hearted enthusiasm of the scrappy Scruff, and entertaining soft-hued illustrations keep the action at dog's eye level; readers see only the bottom half of any of the humans.

Within the well-crafted narrative, occasional bits of dialogue help define various characters' personalities while moving the story forward. The dynamic, digital illustrations are varied in composition and in point of view, showing an amusing dog's-eye-view of people (legs only) in the park scenes and an intriguing, cutaway underground view of the dig site full of bones. The volume's large format showcases Zommer's strong, engaging artwork and makes this lively picture book as rewarding for reading aloud to groups as to individuals.

PreS-Gr 2--Scruff, a homeless dog, finds a home, thanks to his love of digging. While the posh neighborhood dogs and their prissy owners look down on his favorite occupation, Scruff doesn't let that dampen his enthusiasm for "digging and digging." When he finds a pile of bones in the woods and indications there are even more below, he begs the other dogs to help him dig them up. While the dogs are initially reluctant to get dirty, the lure of bones entices them, and together, they unearth 100 bones unlike anything they've ever seen. The five canines bring samples to the Natural History Museum where Professor Dinovsky assembles the bones into the "most ferocious dinosaur ever found." Scruff receives a medal for his efforts and, best of all, his own human friend. The digitally created illustrations offer readers a dog's-eye view of the world. Wonderful canine expressions along with their distinctive coats are in full view, but only human legs and hands are visible. The signature red double-decker bus, the museum facade, the dogs sitting near a lion sculpture in Trafalgar Square, and the appearance of a woman with crowns on purse and coat are evidence the dogs are in London. This book includes a winning combination of dogs and dinosaurs, alliteration such as "Sidney the sausage dog" and "Percy the Pug," and lots of humorous details. VERDICT This story of a homeless dog who triumphs in the end is a sure winner.--Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT

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