This quirky picture book introduces two lively, original characters that children will relate to very easily and it has a useful and important message about friends, and getting along with other people too. Lucy has always wanted a dog and, equipped with guide book sets off to find one. She returns with Bear who settles in very happily, even though the basket is a bit small. They get along fine until Bear’s hibernation brings various niggles to the fore – being a dog owner isn’t easy, but then neither is being a pet. Readers young and old alike will find lots to laugh at in the characters and their situation, and be delighted by the happy resolution to the story. ~ Andrea Reece
