Italian author/illustrator Marta Pantaleo introduces budding readers to the evolution of the human-dog bond in the delightfully illustrated Dogs and Us. This picture book primer recounts the progression of human and dog development and the now symbiotic relationship that was "thousands of generations" in the making.
Pantaleo walks her readers through the human-dog timeline. She features occasions (like hunting for food) that brought the two groups together, and depicts the benefits humans enjoyed from their co-existence with dogs, such as how the dogs' "alert ears sensed distant dangers when [humans'] couldn't hear them." Pantaleo presents human/dog accomplishments--"When we explored the edges of the world, [dogs] were right there next to us"--and the ways we continue to interact today, sharing the same "victories," the same "defeats," "the same house and the same life." The text beautifully lauds the many benefits humans have reaped thanks to their bonds with dogs.
Pantaleo's digital illustrations employ bright, fully saturated colors that create an atmosphere of joy and celebration that perfectly complements the spare, direct text. The art also depicts a diverse range of dog breeds and human nationalities, emphasizing the breadth of our incredible relationships. Dogs and Us includes backmatter that shares specific details about the breeds highlighted in the book and organizes the canines into skill categories. This splendid picture book is perfect for anyone teaching young children to love and respect dogs and is an endearing tribute to the loyal companions with whom we share our lives. --Jen Forbus, freelancer