June 15, 2022
Meet Arfy, a worker dog with paw-pose. Arfy's "job" is helping students gain confidence as they read to the canine in the school library. One day, Arfy discovers a turtle inside their helper-dog-vest's pocket. Arfy aims to track down the owners of the reptile, dubbed "Hidey." To accomplish this goal, Arfy sends chatty emails and illustrated written queries (Arfy grips a pencil between their teeth to accomplish this), signed with paw prints, to various school personnel, including the principal, cafeteria staff, gym coach, and art teacher. They reply, also through electronic or written means, until the satisfying resolution is reached: Hidey's owners are found--an event foreshadowed by sly references to a particular teacher. A buzzy Zoom conference convenes, and Arfy sends Hidey a farewell note. This delightful epistolary tale will captivate readers with good-natured humor and references to tech devices. Other pluses include modeling how to write a letter: Communiques throughout contain examples of courteous written discourse as well as correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation (admittedly, more appealing to adults than youngsters). Additionally, various messages offer valuable pointers on the proper, safe handling of turtles. The illustrations are cheery and charming, as is Arfy's wide-eyed expressiveness. School staff and students are racially diverse; one child uses a wheelchair. Note the comical illustrated twist at book's end. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Got the message? Who wouldn't love a school helper or pet like Arfy? (websites on cat and dog adoption) (Picture book. 5-8)
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