cover image Pooch on the Loose: A Christmas Adventure

Pooch on the Loose: A Christmas Adventure

Steven Kroll, , illus. by Michael Garland. . Marshall Cavendish, $14.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-7614-5239-3

In Kroll's (The Biggest Pumpkin Ever ) contrived story of Bart, a New York City pup who wants to "do the town, see the sights, especially at Christmas." The canine gets his (uncharacteristic) wish and zips all over the dressed-up city before heading back to home sweet home. Garland's (Santa Kid ) Photoshop creations of Manhattan attractions offer a stylized glimpse of the Big Apple's seasonal flair. But the computer-generated terrier, Bart, has an unappealing, soulless look. Ages 3-8. (Sept.)