An encouraging story that celebrates differences, A Puppy Named Paws announces its message clearly: “We are all made special and created with purpose by God above.” Rich illuminates Paws and Boon’s characters and commitment to celebrating each other’s strengths through cheery, sometimes funny dialogue—“You may not be strong, but you sure can smell!” The story is told in rhyming text that’s often somewhat stiff, and the shifting meter and rhyme scheme at times make reading aloud a challenge, especially with a layout that occasionally puts the rhyming words in the middle rather than the ends of lines. Still, young readers will appreciate this take on an underdog’s triumph thanks to the help of a friend.
Adult readers will welcome the story’s encouragement to branch out and make connections, even in the face of potential rejection, while young fans will be comforted by Paws and Boon’s cheerful, can-do attitudes. Rich includes entertaining facts about dogs at the end of the book, a sure hit for dog lovers, and Ellen Marie Feldt’s digital illustrations lend personality and color to the expressive dogs’ adventures. The end result is a story with heartfelt intentions, albeit shaky in execution, that will give those readers who struggle with friendships a reason to branch out.
Takeaway: A message of friendship and celebrating differences perfect for shy readers.
Great for fans of: Jenn Bailey’s A Friend for Henry, Shamirrah Hill’s The Shy Monster.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A-
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A-
