Tiny the Snow Dog

November 1, 2001
Preschool-Gr. 1. On a winter day, a small boy introduces his dog Tiny, the enormous pet most recently seen in "Tiny Goes to the Library" (2000). Before putting on winter gear and heading outdoors to play, the boy explains that both he and Tiny love the snow. Tiny hides, which makes for some silly scenarios given his size and heft. Then boy and dog head home to warm cocoa. Like the other titles in the series, the slim story is written in the most basic language, with short sentences and mostly monosyllabic vocabulary. The bright, thickly brushed pictures offer clues to help readers puzzle out the text, while providing most of the humor. Fans of the series and newcomers will embrace the exuberant, large-size Tiny, and look forward to his next adventure. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2002
With less exuberance, but the same kind of simple, linear plot and short sentences that characterized the previous books, the large dog, Tiny, and his young owner step outside for a romp in the snow. The boy loses track of his canine companion, and, while the cheerful illustrations reassure readers that Tiny is indeed close by, the young boy is skeptical until a joyous Tiny appears with a big, wet, slurping kiss.

(Copyright 2002 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)