I, Cosmo

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Who says a dog can’t learn new tricks?

I, Cosmo (Nosy Crow, 2019) by Carlie Sorosiak is such a sweet story! And funny, too.

Cosmo is getting older, but he needs to help his boy, so the thirteen-year-old dog is willing to train to be in a dance contest with his master. Max is worried his parents will separate and he and Cosmo might be separated. He thinks a canine dance contest will remind his family of the good memories and they’ll stay together. But Charlie’s arthritis is getting worse. Will they succeed?

Told from the dog’s viewpoint, there are many things that confuse Cosmo, but he is strong in his love for Max. This story could be very helpful for middle grade readers experiencing the breakup of their own families. But any animal lover will enjoy the book.

Read about all of the animal-loving author’s other books here–she writes for children and young adults. Meet Carlie here.

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Let’s Dance! (Boyds Mill & Kane, 2020) by Valerie Bolling and illustrated by Maine Diaz has recently danced out into the market. I love the simplicity of the rhythmic language contrasting with the beautiful details in the illustrations that together highlight different types of dances. It’s very difficult to pick a favorite spread.

There’s breakdance, West Africa’s kuku, line dance, Cuba’s cha-cha, ballet, Irish step dance, and more. This book will introduce children (and perhaps their parents) to dancers from around the world in such a fun way.

Even Valerie Bolling’s bio starts with rhythm–read it here. This is the author’s first picture book.

Illustrator Maine Diaz shares an online portfolio here (two pages, so click another icon on her page as well) and her bio here.