48. The Poet's Dog

The Poet's Dog. Patricia MacLachlan. 2016. 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I found the boy at dusk. The blizzard was fierce, and it would soon be dark. 

Premise/plot: The Poet's Dog is told from the point of view of a dog named Teddy. One winter's day, Teddy happens upon two children in great need. There's a blizzard and they need saving. Their mom has left them (and the car) to go off in search of help. Teddy takes the children to safety--to his own cabin. Teddy was the poet's dog. And Sylvan, the poet, raised him well. Teddy is "magical" if you will. He and the children can understand one another perfectly, of course. Because if you are going to be rescued by a dog, it must needs be a magical one that can talk. As they spend several days and nights together, a new family is formed. Teddy begins to let go of some of his grief at Sylvan's death. 

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. It may not be a story that I feel the need to come back to again and again. But it was a compelling story. As the blizzard continues over the course of days, Teddy reflects on his past, his present, and his potential future. The children come to love the dog that saved them. (Of course they do!) They begin to hope that Teddy will become their forever-and-ever dog. Teddy slowly but surely begins to hope for the same. But it's more difficult for Teddy because he's so loyal to Sylvan's memory. 

Quote: Being alone confuses the truth about time.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers