A Dog Named Haku

July 1, 2018

Gr 1-4-Coauthored with her daughter and Nepali son-in-law, this winning story in verse by Engle explores a Hindu tradition during the five-day festival of Deepawali (also known as Swanti or Tihar, or, in India, Diwali or Deepavali). Following an earthquake earlier in the year, search and rescue dogs were used widely to find trapped survivors. Now, several months later, brothers Alu and Bhalu search the city of Kathmandu for "a stray dog-a kukur-to honor with food and gratitude." Finally, when the sky is dark and "sparkling with fireworks," the boys find a lonely puppy and bring her home, much to the delight of their sister, parents, and extended family. Inspired in part by the childhood experiences of Engle's son-in-law, as well as the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the story strikes just the right balance between warm family and holiday tradition, perseverance in the face of tragedy, cultural exploration, and animal rescue. Jeyaveeran's evocative illustrations are rendered in a combination of hand-drawn and digital imagery; bright pops of color found in clothing, lanterns, and fireworks stand out against largely dark backgrounds. The story highlights various celebratory traditions, and a note from the authors provides more information about Deepawali. Back matter also includes a glossary of Nepali words. VERDICT An excellent choice for most collections.-Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Elkins Park, PA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2018
Brothers Alu and Bhalu are celebrating Kukur Tihar, a special day to honor dogs during festival time in Nepal.The two young boys search the streets of Kathmandu for a stray dog to feed, remembering the brave search-and-rescue dogs that saved many lives after earthquakes devastated their country in 2015. Multiaward-winner Engle teams up with her daughter, Nicole Karanjit, and son-in-law, Amish Karanjit (who was born and raised in Nepal), to craft this tale based on a true story from another part of the world. The spare text is interwoven with authentic touches about Nepali family and culture, describing how "families chased away the darkness / by lighting lanterns on doorsteps, / rooftops, / and windowsills" and how the children strive "not to scatter / the rice flour / arranged in dazzling patterns / on the living room floor." Using a dark palette, Jeyaveeran's authentic illustrations add another layer of cultural knowledge, showing dark-haired, brown-skinned children and adults wearing traditional Nepali outfits and joyously celebrating the festival. While the resolution to Alu and Bhalu's search is successful and satisfying, the text may not fully convey to young readers the cultural depth of the brothers' actions, as they feed their new pet the festival feast meant for the family. The oversimplification of the climax diminishes the impact of this otherwise remarkable story set in another culture.A sweet sojourn in Nepal; though not perfect, it's nevertheless an important contribution. (glossary, further reading, activities) (Picture book. 5-8)

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September 15, 2018
Grades K-3 Every year, dogs in Nepal are celebrated on Kukur Tihar, which takes place during a five-day festival of lights?. Nepalese dog-owners revere their pets with a red tika on the forehead, a garland of marigolds, and special treats to eat. They pray for the health and safety of their dogs and give thanks for their loyalty and friendship. Here a pair of dejected brothers roam the streets of Kathmandu looking for an unclaimed stray dog to honor, as they have none of their own. Award-winning poet Engle collaborates with Amish and Nicole Karanjit to tell this semifictional, heart-warming story of luck and love. Mixed-media illustrations reveal a bustling Kathmandu emerging from the rubble of a deadly earthquake, vibrant and determined to resume normalcy. Textile patterns layered over paint in the clothing of figures and backgrounds adds a unique cultural element. A happy ending will have readers cheering for the brothers and probably begging for a puppy of their own.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)