Mini and her mom are stuck in a traffic jam when Mini notices a small dog in the road, wearing bright yellow shoes. They pick him up and take him home. Mini wants desperately to keep him but her mom points out that he must belong to someone because “he has shoes.” Mini is determined not to find the rightful owner until the dog runs away from her while they’re out for a walk and she realizes exactly how it feels to lose a dog. Sangmi Ko’s expressive black-and-white pencil drawings, filled with humor, emotion, and details of city life, use only small touches of bright color: the dog’s new red leash and, of course, his bright yellow shoes. There’s information at the back about adopting rescue dogs, but even if readers have no such intentions, it’s still a satisfying story. (Ages 3–6)

This sweet and hilarious doggy adoption tale features a pooch wearing--wait for it--bright yellow shoes.

When Mini finds a small moppet of a dog, with fluffy ears, no collar, and wearing yellow booties, she understandably wants to take it home. Despite Mom's insistence that the dog probably already has a family, Mini gets attached and is awfully proud of her new pal, who can sing, sit, and give both paws. But when the pup runs off one day at the park, Mini comes to understand how someone else out there might be missing the little guy too.

This story, by a debut author/illustrator, perfectly captures the undeniable bond between dog and owner.

"A charming tale of compassion and empathy, with a resonant message about getting your new best friend at the animal shelter." --Patrick McDonnell, creator of MUTTS

"Immensely funny.... Comedic pacing and simultaneously scrupulous and silly artwork will leave readers howling." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred