​Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” but I would argue they can be man’s, woman’s, child’s, or even a fox’s best friend. Brian Lies has created a beautiful book about the bond between two best friends—a fox who brought his dog to work with him every day.

This was a tough read, but so worth it. Brian Lies has created a touching story about the bond between best friends, and how, after a great loss, one can work through grief and recover. Lies’ artwork in acrylics, oils, and colored pencils, beautifully capture a world of sunshine, fluffy clouds, and meticulously-tended garden—a metaphor for the happy life of Evan and his dog. But when “the unthinkable happen[s]” Evan, reacts to his loss by destroying his garden and letting spiky and prickly weeds grow. What was once a place of beauty becomes a dark and lonely one. But, life finds a way, even in the darkest of times. Through his garden, Evan finds hope and purpose and a way to heal and move on. I can’t recommend this book enough (just be sure to have a few tissues nearby). Well done, Brian Lies!
 
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​I’m all for protecting the environment and so are the characters in this book (well, eventually): 

​Daddy, in this case a lion, takes his lawn very seriously. So when he spies a dandelion growing in the middle of his yard, he knows what he has to do. Unfortunately for Daddy, his adorable lion cub daughter Sweetie, has other plans. What’s a lawn-perfectionist dad to do? Ame Dyckman’s spare text and Charles Santoso’s hilarious illustrations tackle the age-old battle between parent and child: Is a dandelion a pesky weed or a beautiful flower? This book has it all: A perfect title, a jacket cover that depicts the book’s theme, a surprise-under-the-jacket case cover that puts a spotlight on the book’s co-star (the dandelion), front end papers that set the scene, just-right text to tell the story, hilarious illustrations that relate story beyond the words, a story and ending with humor and heart, back end papers that show changed main characters and supporting characters, and even a funny author note, as only Ame Dyckman can write. Plus lions, giraffes, hippos, bears, monkeys, tractors, mad scientists, pirates, and dandelions! Whew! This book is a winner for adult and child!
 
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