A stray little dog longs for a family and a home in this sweet picture-book from Fond du Lac Anishinaabe author Heather Brink and Oglala Lakota illustrator Jordan Rodgers. Having experienced a variety of unsatisfactory homes and humans, Rez Dog is looking for just the right person, and he finds her in Sammy, a little girl who has always wanted a dog of her own. Sammy's family are supportive, and soon Rez Dog (renamed Pickles) is at home with them...

Published by Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing, a small Native American-owned press based in Minnesota, Rez Dog appears to be a debut for both Brink and Rodgers. It pairs an engaging story of a homeless animal finding a home - something for which I have a distinct soft spot - with expressive cartoon-style illustrations. Much like the friend who recommended this one to me - thank you, Kathryn! - I appreciated the depiction of a Native family in the here and now, rather than in some historical and/or mythical past. I liked the theme of dog and girl finding one another, and the role played by Sammy's extended family, in helping her to welcome Rez Dog. The artwork was cute, if sometimes a little too cartoonish for my own taste, and I particularly liked the depiction of Rez Dog and his many expressions. On the whole, I found this one appealing, and would definitely seek out other titles from both author and illustrator. Recommended to young dog lovers, and to picture-book readers looking for stories about contemporary Native American families. ( )