"Dog is Wolf's Cousin. Wolf is Dog's cousin. That's strange because: Wolf is wild. And Dog is tame." The differences and similarities between these canine relatives provide ample material for this funny and charming easy novel in short verse lines. Wolf has bad table manners while Dog is a tidy chef, but both are familiar with the nuisance of flea bites. And although only Dog can read, Wolf enjoys nothing more than a good rhyme; in fact, he believes "rhyme's sublime." While each tries to outwit the other, both are nearly undone by a feisty forest cat. The social dynamics are a gem-wolflike, doglike, and childlike. Small illustrations help strike just the right note of warmth and whimsy. (Ages 6-10)