Publisher's Weekly Review
When readers left Henry and his pet duck, Spot, in 2010's Wanted: The Perfect Pet it was the beginning of an unlikely but beautiful relationship. Now it's Henry's birthday, and Spot has picked out a perfectly thoughtful birthday present: a fishing rod that Henry has been eying. But what's this in the box from Henry's grandparents-an adorable puppy? Before readers can say "alienation of affections," poor Spot is packing his bags and writing a good-bye note, convinced that "Henry's always wanted a Dog, and now he has one.... I might as well not be here." Readers may guess that Roberton will make sure it all works out in the end of her three mini-chapters, but that won't stop them enjoying the high-stakes adventure that ensues when Henry and Dog (who, in the tradition of Mickey Mouse's Pluto, is a nontalker) go after Spot. Once again Roberton proves she can create a resonant emotional landscape with simple, crisp line drawings and minimal detail-perhaps nowhere as evident as in the poignant hug between Spot and Henry after they are (spoiler alert) reunited. Ages 3-5. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.