cover image Cole’s Perfect Puppy

Cole’s Perfect Puppy

Frances M. Crossno. First Edition Design, $14.95 paper (98p) ISBN 978-1-5069-0168-8

Newcomer Crossno introduces a boy named Cole, who adores Scarlett, a golden retriever puppy for sale at the mall pet store. Cole jumps at an offer to work as an assistant at the store, where he can earn enough money to buy Scarlett. The plot proceeds slowly until the dramatic final chapters, when Cole’s photographer parents go missing abroad, and the pet store unexpectedly closes. Tender scenes involving Cole, his younger brother, and a new friend are a highlight, but the dialogue and narration tend to be robotic; although the cost of pets is central to the story, options like shelter adoption are never discussed. Crossno incorporates an evangelical Christian subplot, and religious discussion questions are included. Ages 6–12. (BookLife)