Cone Dog

July 15, 2023
Will Emma survive the dreaded cone? When Emma, a fluffy poodle, leaves the vet with her human, there's a funny, clear lampshade around her neck. At first, she assumes she's just caught in something (like that unfortunate incident with the lawn chair). But this time she can't get the offending object off. Emma tries "to wreck it (she was the best at wrecking)." But the cone stays on. Her human tells her that the cone is "for her own good"...but it gets in the way when she tries to walk or dig. Emma sulks. Then she realizes that playing catch is far easier this way--the cone can hold all the balls her owner tosses. She finds a new way to dig, and the cone acts as a helmet when she tumbles down the stairs. The cone isn't so bad...but she still has one problem: Keith, a cheeky squirrel who loves to tease her. Emma wishes she could give him a good scare. Turns out with a little patience, some snow, and, of course, her cone, she can do just that! Howden and Mok team up for a companion to their Cone Cat (2020) to show how a canine companion might deal with a cone. Emma's personality comes through in Howden's simple, tongue-in-cheek text and in Mok's hilarious cartoon illustrations. Emma's pale-skinned human is never named, but the two obviously care for each other. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Doggy devotees will enjoy this tale of a pooch finding the silver lining in a seemingly dire situation. (Picture book. 2-6)

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November 10, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 Emma the poodle is relieved be finished with her vet visit, but she's less thrilled with her new accessory. Her best guess is that she's been fitted for a lampshade, and the giant cone seems to be on for good, keeping her from her favorite activities. How do you dig or play with an enormous obstacle on your head? A happy accident makes her realize that perhaps it could be useful for some things: shoveling through dirt, funneling numerous balls at once, and acting as a helmet. Just as she starts to accept her accessory, a cheeky neighborhood squirrel mocks her situation. Desperate to get back at the critter, Emma ingeniously camouflages herself and gets the upper hand. This comedic companion to Cone Cat (2020) highlights Emma's creativity and optimism, and it's a hoot to watch the occasionally clumsy canine learn to navigate the world in a new way. Colorful, cartoonish illustrations appealingly capture the antics and action. A creative (and cute) case for making the best out of any situation.

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December 2, 2023

K-Gr 3-After a trip to the vet, Emma the dog has to take on an unexpected burden-the dreaded cone. Like with any dog, this unwelcome addition cramps her style. Can she tackle the challenge? As the story unfolds, Emma learns ways to not just overcome obstacles but use them to her advantage. Even though the cone seemed an impossible impediment at first, soon Emma finds that the cone, if used correctly, can actually improve her mischievous lifestyle. With the cone she can gather more toys, dig faster, and finally defeat her squirrelly nemesis. By embracing optimistic action, Cone Dog becomes far more than an amusing title. While stories about persevering in the face of trials are published often, it's rare and wonderful to find a book in which the protagonist thrives and prospers because of the trials. The cone makes Emma's life better-imagine that! Add in Emma's expressive face, and the treat of finding illustration details on every page (like Keith the squirrel's taunting antics), and this is a lesson that holds up to frequent re-reads. VERDICT A perseverance parable with a trouble-making dog readers can't help but love. Purchase for picture book collections.-Cat McCarrey

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