I, Cosmo

Starred review from September 23, 2019
Narrator Cosmo, a 13-year-old hound, may be getting up there in dog years and suffering from slight arthritis, but he remains dedicated to his purpose in life: “doggedly” protecting his boy—12-year-old Max—and his family. Lately, though, Max and his younger sister, Emmaline, have been anxious about their parents’ fighting. Despite their uncle Reggie’s return from Afghanistan, a source of joy to all, things remain strained and angry, and Max fears that he will be separated from Cosmo half the time if his parents split up. When Reggie, a dog trainer, takes Max and Cosmo to a club where dogs and their humans learn to canine freestyle, training to compete for a role in a dance film, Max decides that winning the contest will keep his family together. Cosmo, who has always longed to dance, commits wholeheartedly despite reservations (“My bones are too achy”). Sorosiak (Wild Blue Wonder) offers Cosmo a combination of wisdom and innocence that feel truly dog-like as his warm voice conveys Max and Cosmo’s mutual affection—the steady and heartwarming constant in both their lives. Touching, bittersweet, and true, this book will appeal to anyone who has loved a pet. Ages 8–12.