Emma and the Night Dogs - Hardcover

Grade 1-3?A very young boy runs, panicked, lost in the dark woods, while a little girl, Emma, is safe and warm at home. Her Aunt Alice arrives at the house with the search dogs and their owners who need to rest for a few hours. But the girl is haunted by the thought of a tiny boy alone in the dark. She slips out of the house, calls softly to the dogs, and continues the search by herself. The animals locate the lost child, and, as the sun rises, Emma brings them all back to safety. Aller effectively switches the point of view back and forth from the lost child to the secure one, dark to light, danger to safety. The thought of Emma sneaking off alone in the dark and running the risk of also getting lost is bound to unhinge some adults, but most children won't share those concerns. They will simply appreciate the adventure. The dogs are the center of the story. In a foreword, the author describes the work of the Canine Search and Rescue service. Backer's oil paintings are suitably murky, encouraging feelings of shivery dread. The artist depicts the giant black Newfie, Juno, standing and looking at readers?calm, confident, and wise?an elegant savior.?Ruth Semrau, formerly at Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
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