Milo Is Not a Dog Today

August 1, 2014

PreS-K-Milo is looking for a friend, but each animal he meets turns him down because he is a dog, and they only play with animals like them, e.g., "I only play with roosters who have magnificent feathers like me." Milo dresses up and pretends to conform, but the animals laugh and walk away. The pup doesn't give up, though, and, in an amusing twist at the end, he finally meets a kindred spirit, and the two play happily together from that day on. The story will elicit giggles as larger-than-life Milo tries to add feathers, flippers, antlers, and wings. The large illustrations provide lots of dialogic reading opportunities, though sometimes the animals' expressions don't seem to match the text. The frog that "laughs and leaps away" looks more frightened than amused. This is a minor issue, though, and children who spend their days pretending will certainly feel for Milo on his quest for a friend. While not an essential purchase, this title will fit well in most collections.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

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