Lulu and Mellie are not merely cousins, they are also best friends. And the important thing to know about Lulu is that she loves animals and has a lot of pets.
“The rule about pets in Lulu’s house was: The more the merrier! As long as Lulu cleans up after them!” Besides several goldfish, a parrot, hamster, guinea pigs, and rabbits, Lulu also had an old dog named Sam.
When Lulu’s family takes a vacation to the sea, Mellie goes along and her parents look after all of Lulu’s pets, except for Sam, who comes with them. This is not by choice because Sam is not fond of getting wet sand on his paws or the sensation of chilly sea breezes. He’d rather snuggle up safe and warm in his favorite bean bag, which he loves.
What happens during this vacation is heart-warming, funny, and magical as Lulu befriends an abandoned and neglected dog that roams the beach. This cagey canine thrives off of whatever he can find, overturning garbage cans, stealing vacationers’ food, and generally wreaking havoc at the seaside resort where Lulu’s family rents a cottage. He also immediately wins Lulu’s heart and she spends her vacation endeavoring to win his trust, certain that all he needs is a friend.
One of the loveliest aspects of McKay’s story is how she shares the third-person thoughts and feelings of the lone dog from the sea. Priscilla Lamont’s black-and-white wash images are a delightful accompaniment to the narrative.
Abandoned as a puppy, the unkempt mutt goes from being a public nuisance to chasing Frisbees and bubbles with Lulu as his guide. Children will delight in the funny antics of the feisty pup that learns to trust others and eventually becomes a hero. This is one dog story with a dramatic, but very happy ending, as one doggy goes on vacation, and two doggies come home!
But more significantly, McKay’s story reveals the importance of taking responsibility for one’s pets, whether at home or on vacation. It is also a lesson in compassion and how bonds of trust can be formed between humans and their furry companions.
“What Kids are Reading” is a regular feature in the Sun, highlighting children’s books available for young readers in Santa Maria. This week’s recommendation is made by Ariel Waterman.
This article appears in Aug 15-22, 2013.