
Susan Gal, along with Julia
Denos, are my two most favorite new picture book illustrators (and authors) coming out over the past year and a half. I was disappointed that no one nominated Gal's Night Lights for a
Cybils, but I've noticed books that are published in the last couple months of the year tend to get overlooked in favor of the new
shinies.
Anyways. We
loooooove this story! First, the text is sweet and funny and engaging. The refrain "please take me for a walk" is sure to get children chanting along and the joyous list of all the things a charming little dog needs to do outside, from chasing birds to meeting friends, is expounded with just the right touches of lyricism and humor.
The art...ah, so, so, lovely. There's a little bit of a Little Golden Books art feel - kind of
Tenggren and a little bit of a story board look to the art (no surprise that Gal was a Disney animator for a while), but the rough edges and cross-hatching and the collage elements are all her own. Her children and animals have a wide-eyed exuberance and the art is full of life and action without being too busy. The type is a nice large font with a little bit of curve in it, easy for read-
alouds or beginning readers. Readers and listeners will fall in love with Susan Gal's bright-eyed little dog and get inspired to take their own walk outside!
Verdict: Highly recommended. A must for your library and storytime collections!
ISBN: 9780375858635; Published May 2010 by Knopf; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library