Elliott Kalan

The author's introduction is pretty terrific, but then the book happens, and it is a same old, same old serial killer thing with an upright heroine with a secret past teaming up with a bitter and cynical police detective with a heart of gold. More than the villainous serial killer almost, they have to fight against a sleazy politician and the brotherhood of cops. Meh.

Middling art is dragged down by watercolors dominated by hideous shades of blue, green and yellow. Ugly and distracting.

Note to future me: I see no reason to continue with this.… (more)

It's a case of mistaken identity when Horse meets Dog, as both at first think that the other is an odd example of the equine and canine species. Horse attempts to feed this "baby" with hay, while Dog tries to interest this "giant" in a game of fetch. As the two face off, insisting that the other is a horse and dog, they are spotted by a bird, who thinks they look like very odd birds indeed...

With the two stubborn characters and their two opposing viewpoints, Horse Meets Dog would make for an entertaining read-aloud at story-time, especially if the storyteller is a good dramatist, and can do different voices. The humorous hi-jinks in the story can lead to an interesting discussion of perception and viewpoint, if the adult reader so chooses, or can just be used for entertainment. The illustrations from Tim Miller, who also worked on the Snappsy books, are quite amusing. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-book romps with a silly sense of humor.… (more)