The First Dog - Jan Brett
I really wanted to like this a bit more than I did. I always like to see Brett branch out of her Scandinavian setting and here she has portrayed a convincing prehistoric backdrop to tell a speculative story of how man might have befriended the first dog. For me Brett's illustrations can be hit or miss, but that's not really the issue here. I have no complaints and her trademark detailed borders are a very pleasant addition - they add to the story and even foreshadow certain plot details. I'm sure I'm over thinking this, but I suppose I don't like how the little boy teases the dog for much of the story. It's only after the dog has saved him numerous time that the boy decides to express a little gratitude and make a pet of him....lucky dog....