A dog adapts to the Covid-19 landscape in this picture book.

At the start of the pandemic, a small white-and-cream dog named Jake is frightened: “Mom and Dad were using different words than I’d ever heard before, like virus and lockdown.” The canine notices the streets are quiet and his favorite places, like the dog park, are closed. Although Jake attends canine school online, he misses seeing his pals in person. He feels comforted when Mom “explained…what was happening…and wanted me to know that it was okay to be scared.” Jake and his family enjoy at-home activities like charades and baking. He finds purpose in helping others, such as sharing his homegrown veggies because “simple acts of kindness can really make someone’s day.” After Mom tells Jake about the Covid-19 vaccine, the dog feels optimistic that “life would be back to normal.” Jake’s experiences during the pandemic will be familiar to many young readers. Hardy portrays the pooch’s struggles with anxiety and loneliness in a considerate, heartfelt manner. Wally_LL’s adorable, vivid illustrations present engaging, sometimes silly scenes, including Jake practicing yoga. The spreads feature fun details like Jake’s squirrel friend Stuart. Some depictions are anthropomorphic (Jake mows the lawn). Others portray the main character as a pet, such as being walked on a leash. Jake’s human parents, shown from the neck down, are biracial, and his neighbor uses a wheelchair. People in background scenes are diverse.

A thoughtful pandemic story from the perspective of a relatable protagonist.