ln the rhyming picture book Pickles and Jane, Sally C. Knox considers the conundrum of what to do when adding a new dog to a household with two cats just doesn’t work out. As is shown in Nikki Dzimira’s engaging illustrations, one black, and one white cat are “purr-fectly matched to the family,” which includes white adults and a black child. But the cats turn out to be so frightened of the much-barking new dog, Joe, that they flee the household. While Knox notes that the family “stuck it out, they gave it a try,” they finally know that Joe needs another home. The incompatible-pet problem happens all too often, and because a failed effort to accommodate a pet may stir emotions in young children, it is an excellent subject for a picture book. Knox is careful to show that the family finds a good home for Joe. With some revision of meter and a thorough copyedit, this story could bring the worthy message of taking responsibility for pets to a wide pre-school audience.
This sweet and upbeat story introduces the idea of having to find a new home for a pet that just isn’t working out. A lyrical and lighthearted glimpse into a potentially sad situation, Sally C. Knox guides children and adults through the ups and downs of introducing a new pet into the home, only to realize it may not be a perfect match after all. Short and bittersweet, with playful watercolor illustrations by Nikki Dzimira, Pickles and Jane will resonate with pet owners of all ages. When Amanda’s granny decides that their little house needs a new dog, everyone is excited to welcome Joe—everyone except the family cats, that is. Pickles and Jane are quiet, content felines, and despite their best efforts, the enthusiastically barking and roughhousing Joe frightens the two and disrupts the tranquility of the house until Joe finds a more suitable home on a nearby farm where he is free to run and bark and play. From the very first lines, Knox sets the pace with a rolling rhythmic refrain, “Amanda lived in a little house / With Mommy, Granny and Kenzie mouse.” At one brief line per page, even the most novice readers will feel confident with Pickles and Jane. Any child who has ever had to find a new home for a beloved pet will sympathize with Amanda and Granny as they attempt to assimilate Joe into their lives. Based on real-life experiences, Pickles and Jane started out as a poem and expanded into a story, and it shows, flowing along with rhymes and quick lines. Although not mentioned overtly, one of the charming features of Pickles and Jane is the close family unit consisting of a daughter, mother, and grandmother only. Dzimira adds to the unique dynamic by portraying Mommy as blond, blue-eyed, and bespectacled while Amanda is several shades darker. The multigenerational and multicultural pet lovers have a healthy, happy home enforcing themes of family unity with very few words and a few strokes of the brush. Joe loves life on the farm, but Pickles and Jane also works as a cautionary tale for families with existing pets who are considering the addition of another. Pet adoption and abandonment are often hot topics for animal-rights advocates, and Knox handles the situation with simple words and an upbeat attitude, explaining the circumstances, efforts, and final decision in a way that is relatable for preschool- and elementary-age children and a relief for their parents. -Pallas Gates McCorquodale-
What happens when a pet just doesn’t fit into a family? Debut author Knox and illustrator Dzimira explore the struggle of adding a dog into a house that already has pets—and offer a happy, alternate ending for the out-of-place pet. Amanda’s grandmother wants to add a dog to their already full Louse featuring Mommy, Kenzie the mouse, and the cats, Pickles and Jane. At the shelter, the family falls in love with Joe the dog, not knowing that he has a loud, constant bark and that Pickles and Jane will be too terrified of their new roommate to adapt. After giving it their best attempt, the family decides they have to find a different home for Joe in order for anyone to be happy. Luckily, they find Joe a great home: a farm with plenty of other animals unperturbed by the presence of a new dog and with lots of children to shower the dog with love. Peace returns to Amanda’s house as well, and everything works out for the best. The rhyming story may help parents explain to those children eager to adopt a new pet why the decision has to be weighed carefully. Dzimira’s stylized illustrations are cartoonish and pleasant, and her depiction of the noisy dog and scared cats—and the family’s dismay—perfectly matches the text. An early moment is the story’s most touching, when the illustrations of African-American Amanda and her white mother and grandmother are echoed by the cats: “The cats were black and white you see / And purr-fectly matched the family.” The rhymes are occasionally uneven, but the story comes through, and pet lovers-specially those with a tendency to adopt too many—will find some excellent food for thought. A niche picture book with some touching moments and charming illustrations but limited audience appeal.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review “Grandpa was very happy to see Harrison, and when they got home he said ‘Harrison, you know what you need? You need a sandbox.’” A young boy named Harrison is invited to help build a sandbox. Thus begins a special project between grandfather and grandson. They work together planning and creating a handsome sandbox for Harrison to enjoy that is both long-lasting and memorable. Yet even with careful planning, there are still some hiccups along the way, like forgetting to buy a few necessary materials which sends them back to the store on more than one occasion. Harrison and his grandfather are never fazed by these minor inconveniences, and here Knox playfully keeps a running joke about how much money they spend. But Harrison and his grandfather understand that no amount of money can ever replace the fun of the experience and the gift of time spent together. In Knox’s touching tale, a boy establishes a physical and emotional bond with his grandfather. Knox juxtaposes the sandbox project through two different viewpoints. From the grandfather, Knox imparts important life lessons about decision making and planning, buying materials, and how to craft something honest with mind, body, and hard work. Through Harrison’s eyes, seeing the transition of ‘just pieces of wood’ into an actual sandbox is symbolic of childhood and the nurture of generational relationships. Knox’s narrative maintains a well-balanced mix of humor and determination with her two characters throughout. While at sixteen pages this story isn’t long, it seems a bit wordy at times for a children’s picture book, considering the age range for whom the story might appeal most. Sheila Morehouse Bradys illustrations pair well with the narrative and are reminiscent of art in the Little Golden Books one might recall. Parents, kids, and grandparents will get a kick out of reading this uplifting story that is fitting for all ages to enjoy. -Book Review by Dylan Ward