The Blue House Dog by Deborah Blumenthal, illustrated by Adam Gustavson

After Bones’ owner dies, he is left to fend for himself on the streets.  He sleeps under bushes, avoids the cars driving around, and forages for food.  Cody, a boy in the neighborhood who recently lost his own dog, notices Bones wandering around and feeds him scraps.  But Bones is very skittish and shy.  Slowly Cody begins to be able to touch Bones, then works day after day to get Bones to enter the house.  Slowly Bones begins to bond with this new human, trust and friendship blooming like the daffodils at his old house. 

Blumenthal has created a gentle story that will work its way into your heart.  It is written with a tenderness that is apparent throughout.  There are moments where the feeling of loss is very strong, others where the moments of connection are impressive.  This is a book that brings emotions up, yet never becomes too overly negative for young sensitive children.

Gustavson’s illustrations are done in oil.  They have a lovely velvety texture and rich colors.  He has nicely chosen the best moments of the text, where the emotion is highest, where the tension of the building friendship is evident.  His illustrations use changing perspectives to show us what is happening with a welcome clarity.

A gentle and profound story of a boy finding his dog.  Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from copy received from Peachtree.