The Writer

The Writer

The New York Times  New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2022) A dog has an important job to do, especially if his human is a writer. Without a dog by his side, the writer would forget to eat. He’d never get out of his pajamas, and he’d probably stare at the computer all day long. But even the best French bulldog can’t do everything. Maybe this perfect pair needs someone new in their lives…  Illustrated in warm, earthy tones, this witty story reflects the ways dogs change our lives for the better. Our canine friends can make—and find—the best companions. PreS-Gr 1-This book takes a wry look at work from home and the need for companionship from a pet's point of view. An unnamed French bulldog doesn't understand his human's behavior. Why would anyone want to "tic-tic-tic" on a computer all day long, sometimes forgetting the basics such as food and exercise? Good thing the little Frenchie is around to nudge the writer in the proper direction-say, to the park to find a companion. Depicted in a muted palette, the drawings highlight the size difference between the human and their small pet, with people often appearing out of frame or slightly oversize for their surroundings. There is not a lot of action in this title, but readers will know that the little dog cares for its human. VERDICT While this is not an essential purchase, it may suit the shelf with titles on the pandemic; it does touch on some of the needs of those still working from home, from a more childlike point of view.-Heather Webbα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Booklist  (starred review) “A waggish tale for those who understand dogs (or think they do).” School Library Journal “While this is not an essential purchase, it may suit the shelf with titles on the pandemic; it does touch on some of the needs of those still working from home, from a more childlike point of view.” Davide Cali  has written over one hundred children's books, which have been published in over thirty countries. His picture books include  Grown-Ups Never Do That  (Chronicle),  I Hate My Cats  (Chronicle), and  The Queen of the Frogs  (Eerdmans). Born in Switzerland, Davide now lives in Italy. Monica Barengo  is an Italian artist and illustrator. Her work has been exhibited at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, and she has been twice selected as a finalist by the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition in Shanghai.  The Writer  is her first book published in English. Visit her website at monicabarengo.com or follow her on Instagram @monica.barengo.