Acclaimed author Kathryn Lasky explores the nature of friendship in three delightful short stories for beginning readers.

Creative, impulsive Poodle and loyal, dependable Hound are very different. On her own, Poodle likes to go get her hair done at the salon and have tea at a fancy restaurant. On his own, Hound likes to read the newspaper and do math and draw complicated plans. Together, the dynamic duo stargazes, plants a garden, and proves that opposites can not only attract but complement and help each other.

A perfect story for fans of unlikely friendships and cooperative projects, warmly illustrated by Mitch Vane. Although they’re best friends, Poodle and Hound are also very different. Poodle thinks Hound is more interested in reading newspapers than in admiring her fancy, beribboned new salon ’do. Studious Hound is annoyed when Poodle interrupts his stargazing. And neither agrees on what to plant in their new garden. In three scenarios, however, each friend discovers new things to appreciate about the other. The lively prose, in large, well-spaced print, provides an entertaining, accessible celebration of friendship. While illustrating how individual differences sometimes bring conflict, the stories ultimately show how sharing others’ interests can bring mutual enjoyment and enhance relationships. The colorful, watercolor-and-ink illustrations incorporate word balloons and amusing, whimsical details and show fluffy Poodle and longeared, bow-tied Hound in everyday activities, from eating cookies to planting a garden. A warm story for beginning chapter-book readers to tackle on their own, or for reading aloud with preschoolers.

—Booklist