Hello Goodbye Dog

May 1, 2017
A mixed-race girl who uses a manual wheelchair finds a way for her irrepressible pet to stay by her side. Zara's dog, Moose, loves to say, "Hello." When Zara hugs Moose, the faces of both child and dog beaming with contentment, readers will understand perfectly why Moose finds "goodbye" as awful as "an itch that couldn't be scratched." When Moose can't accompany Zara to school, Moose "put[s] on her brakes" until Mom (who's black) and Dad (who's white) drag her away from Zara. But Moose has other ideas, beginning a chain of escape attempts. Each "Hello" finds the persistent pooch visiting Zara's class in different areas of the school, her animated antics emphasized by brisk lines and scrawls. Each "Goodbye" is a cumulative refrain, requiring Mom, Dad, Zara, and more and more school personnel to get Moose to leave. Finally, Moose is alone in a crate, surrounded by white space broken only by a family portrait and Moose's winding howl. But not for long--Zara takes Moose to "therapy dog school," and Moose happily becomes the class reading dog. Gianferrari's dog's-eye metaphors for loneliness and Barton's expressive, energetic mixed-media illustrations highlight Moose's affection and the joy she brings to others. An author's note provides a brief description of therapy dogs as well as two websites for further information. Young children and their dogs will enjoy this cheery tale. (Picture book. 4-6)

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June 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-Like most dogs, Moose loves "hello" and hates "goodbye." "Hello" is a ride in the car, a pat on the head, or a visit with her favorite people. "Goodbye" is a closed door and being alone. Moose loves "hello" most when it involves her favorite human, Zara. When Zara steers her wheelchair into her family's van, it means good-bye. Not for long. After all, one thing Moose loves almost as much as "hello" is being read to, and what better place to be read to than school? So Moose finds ways to get to school, much to the chagrin of the staff. Finally Zara gets the idea to have Moose certified as a therapy dog so she can say hello to the schoolchildren every day and help them read. The author's note explains the difference between therapy dogs, which help bolster the confidence of young readers, among other tasks, and service dogs, which require more specialized training. Sweet, skillfully rendered illustrations are clear, convey Moose's worldview, and depict a diverse group of people. Even the dog's expressions-forlorn when she is trapped behind the screen door, sheepish when she resists an order, triumphant when she finds her human again-are instantly recognizable and contribute to the impact of the story. VERDICT A welcome addition to any school or public library serving preschool and early elementary-age children.-Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2017
Grades K-2 *Starred Review* What could be better than a book about a dog who loves books and hates goodbyes? Moose, an energetic mutt, hates it when Zara goes off in her wheelchair to school, so he insists on joining herin the classroom, the library, and the cafeteria (the latter leads to a hilarious game of tag). What to do? Dog therapy school provides the answer, and Moose becomes an official reading buddy. Gianferrari's choice of language fits this determined dog who views goodbye as an itch that couldn't be scratched or tug without war, hide without seek. And how welcome that Zara's wheelchair is portrayed only in the illustrations, presented as just another facet of her life. Barton's soft palette adds a warmth to the story, and her lively illustrations give life to Moose's moods: smug when in the company of Zara, chastened and sad when not. The resolution, which is Zara's idea, is the perfect solution and reminds us of potential jobs for canine companions; an author's note further discusses therapy dogs and the role they can play in the classroom, and may prompt young readers to learn more. Pair with The Hello, Goodbye Window (2005), by Norton Juster, for another book about leaving and coming home.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)