The Stray Dog by Marc Simont, from a true story by Reiko Sassa 2001A family picnicking spies a lonely but friendly dog. The young boy and girl play with him, and even give him a name, but are told he can't come back to their home in the city. The text is spare, but anguish is evident in the children's faces as they drive away, and all week long as the family remains distracted.
They all return to the same picnic spot the next weekend, looking nonchalant, but longing for the dog to reappear. He does make an appearance, but this time with a dog warden chasing him. The children defend their special friend Willy, and the warden lets him go. The last few pages illustrate the love that the family has for Willy, and his feeling of contentment.
"They took Willy home. And after that they introduced him to the neighborhood, where he met some very interesting dogs. And Willy settled in where he belonged."
Appropriate for ages 4-8
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