Who should become the First Pup in the Obama White House? In this whimsical imagining by the father-daughter team behind Henry the Dog with No Tail
, animals across the globe take the matter into their own paws—and not all contenders for the honor are canines. “ 'I'd make a fine puppy,' squeaked a guinea pig named Sam. 'I'm starting barking lessons tomorrow,' bragged a turtle named Marple.” When a contest and a lottery fail to determine a suitable winner, an older dog quotes from an ancient dictate outlining the qualifications for “a true presidential puppy.” Two pooches and the guinea pig fit the bill and head to Washington, only to discover that the First Family already has a puppy (cleverly pictured only as an indistinct blur, which may help extend this story's shelf life). In an upbeat resolution, the trio of would-be pets is invited to stay and play with the White House's new four-legged resident. Rendered in brush, ink and watercolor markers, Jules Feiffer's characteristically fluid, unadorned illustrations produce an animated animal cast, easily matching the narrative's buoyancy. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)
