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Spencer's New Pet

Spencer's New Pet
By Jessie Sima
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2019. Picture book.

The age-old story of a boy and his dog is repeated in this new picture book -- except this time around, one of them is a balloon. With incredible attention to detail, silent films from the 1920s provide the inspiration for the black, white, and red illustrations in this mostly wordless story. The vintage-film concept is well-served by the dramatics of a story that follows a bright red balloon dog through a dangerous day - culminating in an explosive and satisfying surprise.

Believe me when I say this book will have readers young and old eager for a second read.

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