Ben and his dog Aggie's fourth adventure begins with the two playing in the park. Aggie runs away, and Ben, with the same determination and care he's always shown for his pet, vows to find her. Ries's hallmarks--predictable, natural language; defined structure (with chapter-break markers)--continue here. Dormer's gray watercolor washes effectively reflect Ben's despair while touches of bright orange signal his determination.

In three short chapters filled with many short words, readers will recognize a child's trauma about a lost pet. Ben, whom readers have met before in the Aggie and Ben series, is a conscientious person to his little dog, Aggie. He takes good care of her, feeds her, gives her large quantities of attention and affection and shares the bed, which he thinks is his and she knows is hers. But on her walk in the park, Aggie chases the red ball that she usually returns to him and doesn't come back. She is lost. Ben and his parents do everything they can to find their special friend, posting signs, searching, asking others—to no avail. After a terrible night, the boy returns to the park, where they again encounter friends, to resume the search. Mr. Thomas, who is blind, suggests that Ben use his ears to locate her. Eureka! He hears her howl, she is found and everyone is happy. Despite her bad breath and, worse, the stench of something Aggie has rolled in—a not uncommon habit of pups—all ends well. Art in pen, ink and watercolor shows the characters and their emotions clearly in a faux childlike drawing style. Anyone who has worried about the loss of a special friend will understand the feelings involved with great sympathy and empathy. (Easy reader. 4-7)

K-Gr 2 Aggie and Ben are playing catch in the park when Ben throws the ball too far and his pup doesn't come back. He looks everywhere, but can't find her. He and his parents make phone calls and posters, retrace their steps, and ask people if they've seen Aggie. When these efforts fail, Ben consults his blind friend, Mr. Thomas, who suggests a different approach. The book is split into three chapters for early readers, appropriately named "The Bad Day," "The Awful Night," and "Found!" Dormer's humorous pen, ink, and watercolor cartoons add to the charm of this story. Perfect for newly independent readers, the short sentences and limited vocabulary will help children build confidence. Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH