Truelove - Hardcover

Desperate for the attention of his baby-distracted human family, Truelove, a rather chunky, bug-eyed, spotted, eminently lovable dog, shares gifts (a dead mouse), performances (swinging from the chandelier behind his oblivious audience), and a love song (for which he is ousted from the house for making Baby cry). Crushed, Truelove turns hobo, joining a pack of down-and-out hound dogs. Will he ever be able to teach his family the true meaning of love?

Babette Cole (Prince Cinders, etc.) plays outrageously with cliché in this ironic yet touching story of baby-pet (or sibling) rivalry. Each page is surrounded with little hearts, with platitudes such as "Love cures all hurt" and "You can never escape from love," while Truelove's antics on the pages counter every sentiment. Cole's scribbly watercolors are hilarious, especially in contrast with the sappy sayings they illustrate. Sheepish adults may find themselves giving Rover an extra biscuit tonight—-or taking Baby's big brother or sister out for an ice cream cone. (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Babette Cole is the creator of dozens of acclaimed picture books.