Scooter In the Outside - Hardcover

Anne Bowen is a former elementary school language arts teacher. Her previous books include a Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year and a Society of School Librarians International Honor Book. She lives in Utah.

Lucy and Scooter have a routine. Every evening they take a walk in “THE OUTSIDE,” tromping the same route all the way to the corner, but never past it. Lucy sings, Scooter wags and barks, and they arrive home safely to a treat, a water bowl, and Scooter’s doggy bedtime. One morning Scooter finds the door ajar and heads out alone, venturing past the corner, where he discovers that “THE OUTSIDE” is bigger, better, and scarier than he imagined it to be. Lucy finds him, routine is restored, and all is well. The pattern of the pair’s regimen makes for a sturdy story arc, complete with predictable communications (Lucy with her words and Scooter with tongue and tail) and woof-to-English translations. Carter’s sunny watercolor sketches hum with energy, filling the neighborhood setting with friendly detail. Children with dogs at home will recognize the familiar responsibilities of canine care, and those without may well inquire about getting a pet of their own. Preschool-Grade 2. --Thom Barthelmess