Poultry Puppy

When you're growing up sometimes you desire something so much it consumes your every waking moment.  In conversations with your parents they try to explain the difference between wanting and needing a particular thing.  Their reasoning may be logical and practical but it simply does not match your thinking.  Regardless of your attempts to persuade them to understand your viewpoint, they remain steadfast in their answers.

Children may not always have much control over their lives but certain situations call for creativity.  My Dog's a Chicken (Schwartz & Wade Books, February 9, 2016) written by Susan McElroy Montanari with illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf gives us a day in the life of a quick-witted little gal.  She surveys her circumstances and hatches a plan.

Lula Mae wanted a puppy, but Mama said, "Dog's just another mouth to feed.  These are hard times, Lula Mae.  You've got to make do."

Standing in the yard on her farm, Lula Mae is surrounded by chickens, lots and lots of chickens.  She promptly decides a chicken might make a pretty good dog.  It's got to be a proper chicken, though.  It must exhibit certain personality traits.

One chicken stands out among all the others and Lula Mae grabs it.  Understandable the hen is not happy but Lula Mae declares to her Papa and Mama this chicken is her dog.  She names it Pookie.

With her father and mother watching Lula Mae proceeds to point out all the fine abilities of her new "canine companion."  She takes the bow from her hair placing it on the chicken and voila, she has a show dog.  After a close encounter with a pesky cousin and a slithering reptile when she, Baby Berry and Pookie are reading under a tree, she announces Pookie is a guard dog.

Regardless of the stellar qualities of her "dog" Mama is steadfast in her resolve to not have Pookie in her house.  Unexpectedly two members of the farm family cause a frightful commotion.  Some changes are meant to be, others are not.


You have to admit the idea of a chicken being a dog is fertile ground for hilarity.  Susan McElroy Montanari pens a splendid blend of easy, conversational narrative and homey dialogue.  Lula Mae's rationale which rises to the top in each situation will generate loads of laughter.  A comedic cadence is supplied when Baby Berry echoes portions of Mama's words.  In fact he utters the final sentences in this story.  Here is another sample passage.

There stood Cousin Tater holding a garter snake.  Lula Mae shrieked,
"You were going to throw that snake on me!"
Tater looked down at the snake.  "No, I wasn't," he said.
"Just so you know, I got me a dog now," Lula Mae said.
"That old stew chicken?" Tater asked. ...


The happy-as-a-lark look on Baby Berry's face and Lula Mae's expression of pure contentment on the front of the matching dust jacket and book case contrast with the get-me-out-here stare in Pookie's eyes.  The laughter begins right here.  The full color palette with splashes of bright red direct our attention to the most active characters, Lula Mae and Pookie.  On the back, to the left, is an interior scene with text when Lula Mae is zeroing in on her choice for a chicken to be her dog.  Pookie's free spirit lands her the job.

The opening and closing endpapers are full of chickens (There must be one hundred.) in all kinds of color combinations and body positions.  To begin most of them seem to be running toward a double circle which is forming.  Pookie is running off to the right.  At the conclusion there are divided clusters of chickens with dotted lines zigging and zagging among them, signifying the crazy path taken by Pookie.

Rendered in watercolor and China ink Anne Wilsdorf's artwork usually spans two pages.  To enhance the pacing she places several smaller visuals together on several pages or single pages between the double pages.  White space is used to excellent effect defining characters and their actions.

The wide eyes and longish, up-turned noses on her people endear us to them.  The expressions on her chickens are sure to produce grins galore.  In looking at each image readers will notice her fine lines and abundant details.  Wilsdorf also includes hints of what is to come if readers look closely at her illustrations.  The final picture without text is a second ending.

One of my favorite illustrations is of Lula Mae sitting against a tree reading.  Pookie is under one arm and Baby Berry is under her other arm.  They are all looking at the book.  In the upper left-hand corner a blue butterfly flutters.  Coming toward them from the left is another chicken.  Cousin Tater is seen peeking around the tree on the right.  Readers don't know it yet but this image signals a shift in the story.

My Dog's a Chicken written by Susan McElroy Montanari with illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf is read aloud gold.  Readers and listeners will admire Lula Mae's ingenuity as they chuckle at her perceptions.  I can guarantee you will be asked to read this title over and over again.  This is a winning debut for Montanari.

To learn more about Susan McElroy Montanari and Anne Wilsdorf please follow the links attached to their names.  An older post but still valuable about Anne Wilsdorf can be found at Emu's Debuts, "A book...is a whole world.": An Interview with Anne Wilsdorf.  You can view some interior images by following this link to the publisher's website.

Planting Change

They are very easy to spot if for no other reason than they are usually smaller than the rest of the students.  They and their caregivers who walk with them are filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness on the first day of kindergarten.  For many of these little guys and gals this is the first time they have been away from home for an entire day in a school setting with other students older than they are.

For some of them with sisters and brothers who are in higher grades, the experience is less stressful.  If these new kindergartners are the oldest child in their family or an only child, it's not quite so easy.  If they happen to be shy, it can be exceedingly difficult.  The charming child we met and loved in Sophie's Squash (Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, August 6, 2013) has returned in a companion title, Sophie's Squash Go To School (Schwartz & Wade, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, June 28, 2016) written by Pat Zietlow Miller with illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf.

On the first day of school, Sophie peeked into her classroom.

Regardless of the fun exhibited by her classmates and the kind words of her parents, Sophie is certain school will make her miserable.  Nothing is right, not the chair, the milk and certainly not her fellow students' attitudes about her best friends, Bonnie and Baxter, two squash. She is appalled when someone asks if the squash can be eaten.

To make matters even worse, in Sophie's opinion, Steven Green with his toy frog, Marvin, follows her everywhere.  Her replies and standoffish air do nothing to dissuade this boy's pursuit of her friendship.  Her parents chat with Sophie about Steven but she remains firm in believing the only pals she needs are Bonnie and Baxter.

Little by little Sophie starts to enjoy others but only in her mind.  And she still wants absolutely nothing to do with Steven Green.  With autumn in full swing, Sophie knows it's time to put Bonnie and Baxter to bed in the ground.  When an art activity results in disaster, Sophie is completely disgusted with Steven Green.

Finding something inside her backpack, a chat with her father and a nighttime visit with Bonnie and Baxter help Sophie to think.  Sophie needs the assistance of a very persistent person to put a new plan into action.  Tender loving care and patience generate a happy dance in Ms. Park's kindergarten classroom.


When Pat Zietlow Miller writes it is with considerable compassion and insight into the personalities of her characters.  Her words evoke empathy in readers for the people found in her books.  In this narrative several realistic topics, first days of school, shyness, and friendship (all kinds), are intertwined into a pleasing whole.

Ms. Park, the kindergarten teacher, and Sophie's parents are supportive and kind. In some of their conversations her parents exhibit little bits of humor as well as nicknames of affection for Sophie.  I really like that Miller continues to have Sophie give her squash names beginning with the letter b.  Here is a sample passage.

Sophie's parents were no help at all.
"Steven sounds adorable," said her mother.  "And it's good to have friends."
"Especially human ones," added her father.
Sophie hugged Bonnie and Baxter tightly.  "I have all the friends I need."


Fine lines, soft brush strokes and delicate details define the work of artist Anne Wilsdorf in this title.  On the matching dust jacket and book case as Sophie strides to school carrying Bonnie and Baxter glancing over her shoulder, we readers wonder what has caught her attention.  This is a definite invitation for us to open this book.

The opening and closing endpapers are a patterned array of Sophie, Bonnie, Baxter, a blue chair from her classroom and a surprise appearance by another character in the final vignette.  Each one of the forty is different alluding to the energy found in Sophie and her love of Bonnie and Baxter.  On the title page Sophie is standing on the blue chair in front of an easel drawing a portrait of the smiling Bonnie and Baxter sitting on the floor.

Rendered in watercolor and China ink the image sizes are altered to heighten the pacing.  The double and single page pictures are brimming with multiple elements asking us to pause and increase our understanding of the scene and the characters' moods.  In several of the visuals Wilsdorf extends her illustration to the left across the gutter tying it to the smaller image shared on the left page.  Her sequences of pictures grouped on a single or double page indicate tension or a turning point. Good cheer and charm are evident in the colorful, textured and patterned clothing worn by all her characters.

A favorite illustration is the first two-page picture of Sophie standing in the doorway of her classroom with Ms. Park welcoming her in front and her parents, behind her, encouraging her.  Spread before the reader is a good glimpse of the room; the children engaged in creative chaos.  Shelves are filled with interesting, playful items and lots of books.  There is a geometric shape and block table, big letters of the alphabet on another table, children are drawing at a third table and another group is sprawled in the storytelling area on a rug with pillows.  This IS kindergarten.


If you are looking for a fresh new title for the start of the school year, Sophie's Squash Go To School written by Pat Zietlow Miller with illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf is the perfect book for you.  It's a lively, joyous story with realistic themes lovingly told in words and pictures.  You also might want to consider visiting your local farmers' market to pick up a supply of squash.  I predict Sophie will find a spot in many readers' hearts.

To learn more about Pat Zietlow Miller please follow the link attached to her name to access her website.  An older post but still valuable about Anne Wilsdorf can be found at Emu's Debuts, "A book...is a whole world.": An Interview with Anne Wilsdorf.  To get some views of interior illustrations please visit the publisher's website.  Pat Zietlow Miller wrote a post, Five things to know about SOPHIE'S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL, at Picture Book Builders.  Pat Zietlow Miller was recently interviewed at The Winged Pen.

From The Market

As much as I love the summer, the end of summer along with the beginning of autumn is one of my favorite times of the year.  Visiting the farmers' markets, seeing all the fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers on display, for me, is like walking through magic.  When you think about it, everything in the surrounding stalls and tents came from the tiniest of seeds, nurtured by man and nature; a precarious partnership, the one always at the mercy of the other.

Another of life's magic, never failing to cause me to pause in wonder, is looking at the world through the eyes of a child.  What may or may not capture their attention, their interpretation, is a thing of marvelous mystery.  Sophie's Squash (Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, August 6, 2013) written by debut author, Pat Zietlow Miller with illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf explores a charming friendship lasting from season to season, one year to the next.

One bright fall day, Sophie chose a squash at
the farmers' market.


What Sophie's parents did not know at the time is that Sophie is not looking at the squash as a side dish for supper, she is looking at it as the right size for so many things.  At home in her bedroom she draws a face on the squash, a smiling face.  Sophie is smiling on the inside and outside too.

In the kitchen her mother takes one look at the squash knowing it will not be a part of the evening meal.  Sophie names it Bernice.  From that moment Sophie and Bernice are inseparable; trips to the library, the same farmers' market and somersaulting down the hills in the garden.  Like a favorite doll she tucks Bernice in at night in her own cradle.

One morning, Sophie's mother casually suggests Bernice may be getting mushy soon; she believes Bernice will be delicious cooked with marshmallows.  Horrified Sophie begs Bernice not to listen to such nonsense.  None of her parent's suggestions for possible places for Bernice or substitutes for Bernice can weaken Sophie's resolve to keep her friend forever.

Sophie is indignant at the library story time when boys and girls point out Bernice's expanding blotches.  She has to admit as cooler weather descends Bernice lacks her usual vigor.  Sophie decides to seek the advise of a professional back at the farmers' market.  Inquiries made and answered she heads home.

Going to Bernice's favorite spot outside Sophie makes sure she does all necessary to bring Bernice back to good health.  Winter snows come followed by the new life of the changing season.  Bernice flourishes through spring into summer giving Sophie a surprise; friends forever.


Pat Zietlow Miller has created an endearing character in Sophie.  Her devotion to Bernice through the seasons, defending her, doing what is best for her, even though it means they must be apart for awhile, is utterly charming.  Sophie's parents are supportive in her fascination with Bernice even though they try to dissuade her gently, if only to spare her future disappointments.  These two sentences are only a sample of their kindness.

"I call her Bernice," Sophie said.
"I'll call for a pizza," said her mother.

There is a cadence to Miller's writing; using right size in sequential sentences, wrapped and rocked in a single sentence, thought and events structured in threes. Whether read silently or aloud it flows like a soft breeze wrapping its warmth around the reader.  Throughout the narrative a familiar and familial humor softly permeates.

Every night, Sophie gave Bernice a bottle, a hug, and a kiss.
"Well, we did hope she'd love vegetables," Sophie's mother told her father.
"Shhhhhhh," Sophie said, "Bernice is sleeping."


As stated in an interview illustrator Anne Wilsdorf believes the cover, endpapers and body of the book contribute to the world of the book.  All are important to the reader's entry into that world.  Her illustrations rendered in watercolor, ink and China ink are an open window into a light and lively story.  Her soft, warm colors, fine lines, varied visual size and perspective say what words do not say.

Across the front and back dust jacket and book case readers are introduced to the season, Sophie, Bernice and the ever present cat.  Opening and closing endpapers joyfully feature Sophie in forty-three different playful poses with her squash and company.  The upturned noses, wide circular eyes and mouths expressing emotion on all the characters and critters (even the stuffed animals) will have readers falling in love with them all.

I think my favorite illustration besides the garden tea party is the double-page spread of Sophie's bedroom which illustrates the phrase above.  The attention to detail is superb; Sophie's drawings of Bernice on the wall, the drawing of her cat on the floor, the cat chasing a butterfly in the room, a stuffed mouse toy looking at a stuffed cat toy in a cage on top of her armoire, Bernice in her cradle with a doll buggy next to it, the homemade rabbit next to the stuffed rabbit toy and Sophie's parents bending over her.  It's precious.


Let me add my praise without reservation to the four starred reviews( Booklist, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly) Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller with illustrations by Anne Wilsdorf has received to date.  It's a tale of loving friendship, life's changes and parental patience.  I can't think of a single bookshelf that won't want to have a copy of this title resting easy among all the other titles to be removed frequently and read repeatedly.

I encourage you to follow the links above to learn more about both the author, the illustrator and the publication of this book.  Follow this link to the publisher website to get a glimpse at more of the illustrations.