A story for kids that enjoy being in on a secret the narrator is missing. A man keeps coming home with a dog masquerading as items on his shopping list (a pillow, an ottoman, etc), and eventually realizes what he needs most is a new friend.

A charming story about a pillow, foot stool, Haley, whatever...that keeps moving...and yet readers will understand from the start, we're not dealing with your average, run of the mill furnishings here. At the heart of this clever tale are a cat and a pup seeking shelter from the elements and inadvertently finding a forever home...albeit a reluctant one. Well, it's not so much reluctant as it is confused because honestly, if my jacket starting belching, or foot stool woofing, I'd be scratching my head too. It takes the less than subtle reminder from the salesman that he did get what was promised, bringing a dose of snarky humor to the mix, and a kick start from his heart to realize how very much more came along with it that made the purchases beyond monetary value.

A cheerfully illustrated story with limited words perfect for younger readers through adults.


*copy received for review ( )

Two fun creators - Laura Gehl, author of the Peep and Egg picture books and Weyant, illustrator of Anna Kang’s fun titles - team up to create something new and super silly.

A stray cat and dog are shivering sadly outside of The Pillow Place when a man walks in to get a pillow… and comes home with a very unusual pillow! It keeps wiggling around! But it IS soft and fluffy, so he can’t return it. The man tries to purchase a footstool and a warm jacket, but each time there’s something wrong. Finally, he realizes that this odd thing makes a better pet dog than a piece of furniture. And that gives the stray cat an idea… especially since the man needs a new hat!

Weyant’s cheerful colors and humorous faces evoke feelings of classic funny illustrators, especially Jack Kent and Syd Hoff, but his art has a charm all its own. The dog looks just enough like the pieces of furniture for kids to get the joke, but not so much that they can’t enjoy a laugh on a grown-up.

Verdict: A sweet, funny story with enough repetition to make it a favorite for toddler storytime and humor that’s just right for the preschool set. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780425288245; Published 2018 by Viking; Borrowed from another library in my consortium