When Rosie Walks George

Amy Hest and Taeeun Yoo have made something quietly beautiful here. George the old dog has always walked with the family, and little Rosie has always trailed behind — until one night George sits vigil over Rosie's lost ball and returns it by morning. By the book's end, Rosie is old enough to walk George herself. It is a full-circle story about loyalty, patience, and growing up, told almost entirely through soft illustration and tender restraint. Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review, and that praise is well earned. The honest caveat is that the plot is minimal — this is a mood and a feeling more than a story, so readers expecting events will need to adjust their expectations. For bedtime and lap-reading, it is close to perfect.