Murphy in the City (Murphy)

More than a decade after A Day in the Life of Murphy, Provensen's opinionated terrier gets a taste of city life. Though Murphy is initially unenthusiastic ("Nothing but cars and concrete. Yuck!"), his tune changes when he sees the dog-centric slate of activities planned. Even a quick trip to an animal shelter after Murphy wanders off doesn't dampen his spirits for long. Provensen's oil paintings have the posed, static look of folk art, though she mixes in modern details, like an urban dog-walker wrestling with his charges or a doggie boutique brimming with chew toys and other goodies. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)