wag!
Written and Illustrated by Patrick McDonnell
Little, Brown and Company
Recommended for dog lovers of all ages

This is Patrick McDonnell’s sixth picture book, five of which feature his precious pooch, Earl. In this simple story, the question is posed What makes Earl’s tail wag? Earl’s tail fwips and fwaps at most everything. From a bowl of snacks to a field of flowers from the sight of an old friend to the sight of a soon-to-be friend.

Mooch is Earl’s best friend and like a school child who wants to answer the teacher’s question but can’t seem to muster the courage, Mooch panics when asked the all-important question. He “forgets”, he fumbles and he says it is a “secret”. Finally, he is able to respond to the question…Love is what makes Earl’s tail wag.

The pages of this lovely storybook are adorned with the simplest of line drawings set against tinted pages and a minimal use of colour. This book is a real treat for people who love dogs and want to share this joy with their children.