Aggie the Brave

June 15, 2010

Aggie, a small, young dog of indeterminate parentage, has an appointment to be spayed. Young Ben, who is Aggie's human companion, is concerned about her, of course, as all good pet lovers would be. Spaying: "[Ben's] mommy says this is a good thing to do. It will keep Aggie from getting sick when she gets older. And it means she won't have any puppies." This shadowy explanation is the weakest part in an otherwise charming early reader, and adults should be prepared to enlighten curious youngsters. While Aggie is at the vet's overnight, Ben worries about her and misses her. Will she be lonely, too? On her return, she wears the collar that keeps her from tearing at her stitches, and her activities are limited. But all is well when the collar comes off, and both Aggie and Ben have been brave. This book will serve well for those whose four-footed friends may have an upcoming operation. Dormer's illustrations in pen, ink and watercolors convey the action and Ben's many concerns. A realistic—and gentle—story about a common occurrence for those lucky enough to have a pet. (Early reader. 4-7)

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Starred review from August 1, 2010

K-Gr 2-Adorable Ben and his dog are off to the vet in this installment in a charming series. It's time for Aggie to be spayed, and Ben must deal with a bit of separation anxiety and a brief change in his pet's behavior. Ries's style is clean and basic without being choppy and detached. It contains just a hint of wry humor that dovetails nicely with the characters' sometimes droll expressions. Dormer's illustrations are wonderful, evoking pathos when Ben cries in the backseat of the car on the way home after leaving Aggie, and laughter when Ben transforms her from a "lamp head" to a "lion head" by drawing a mane on her Elizabethan collar. Ries and Dormer once again prove a delightful pairing, cheerfully and tenderly persuading new readers to keep turning the page.-Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

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