Itty Bitty

Where does a tiny dog find just the right decor for his hollowed-out-bone house? Why, the “teeny-weeny department” at a huge store downtown, of course! Such is the premise of this sweet and silly picture book that introduces a sunny pup of small size but big personality. Itty Bitty, a tan-colored dog not even as tall as a blade of grass, just wants to feel comfy in his new digs. A spread that shows him speeding down the road on his shopping trip, riding on a tricycle fashioned out of a walnut shell, is laugh-out-loud funny. Bell's (Bee-Wigged ) crisp acrylic and ink artwork features blocks of color and simple stylized shapes on grainy, speckled backgrounds. Itty Bitty is reminiscent of a character Ed Emberley might create in one of his drawing books—a square body, triangle head and stick legs. But his pinpoint eyes, gentle smile and frequent exclamations of delight (“Satisfactory!”) give him lots of warmth. Ages 3–7. (June)