I Didn't Do It
PreS-Gr 3&#x2013;Distinct puppy personalities shine through in 14 poems. As in the companion Once I Ate a Pie (HarperCollins, 2006), the free verses are told from each dog's point of view. A small terrier objects to his owner's &#x201C;Rules&#x201D; and offers up his own code of conduct: &#x201C;Drooling is good&#x2026;.Get muddy. Be happy. Howl!&#x201D; A black Labrador retriever with woebegone eyes staring straight at readers sits in a bathtub and itemizes &#x201C;What I Don't Like.&#x201D; The list includes &#x201C;My food/I like yours better./The mailman/Every single day he comes!&#x201D; Schneider's striking oil paintings not only capture the impulsive and impetuous nature of pups, but also show such tender moments as newborns, &#x201C;Born in the soft overcoat quiet of someone's closet,&#x201D; nestled together. An irresistible treat for animal lovers.Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada&copy; Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.