Olive & Pekoe: In Four Short Walks

Davis (the Ladybug Girl series) and Potter (Independence Cake) celebrate a canine pair's differences through four stories in this quiet picture book. Pekoe is a lolloping pup with boundless energy; Olive, Pekoe's elderly dog friend, plods along behind him. The two walk a familiar path in the woods ("Pekoe adores playing with sticks... Olive prefers resting in the mud and grass"), get caught in a storm, meet a chipmunk ("Olive is not impressed.... Pekoe can't believe how great it is that the world has chipmunks in it!"), and confront a mean bully at the dog park. In her characteristic paint-and-colored-pencil style, Potter pairs Pekoe's frenetic leaps with Olive's sedate poise, showing the two against the vibrant greens and chestnuts of woods, a yard, and a park. Pekoe's youthful enthusiasm ("Pekoe cannot wait to meet another chipmunk") and Olive's hard-won wisdom ("Olive knows that there are many more chipmunks in the forest") are equally beguiling. Despite their differences, they are loyal friends, focused on what's most important: "It's time for a snack!" The tales make for calming bedtime readalouds, all with the same peaceable message: dogs (and people) are who they are, no apologies necessary. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 2--Olive and Pekoe are very good friends, but they are as different as two dogs can be. Pekoe, a young puppy, is adventurous and curious. Olive, an older dog with short legs, enjoys resting. On their walks, Pekoe tries to rouse Olive into play. Olive appreciates the gesture but never joins in. It becomes clear that Pekoe has much to learn about life. Olive gives the pup the space to explore and wonder about all the things they encounter. On one outing, Pekoe gets into a tough situation. Olive rescues him, and "they sit together and enjoy the day as good friends do." This picture book highlights the joy that can be shared among friends when they respect and celebrate each other's differences. VERDICT With its simple illustrations and accessible text, this title will delight young readers and help them to appreciate their friendships in new and exciting ways.--Maegen Rose, Rye Country Day School, NY