Paloma

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 9, 2016

Review

Paloma is the third installment in Cynthia Lord’s Shelter Pet Squad series. Animal enthusiast, Suzannah joins her fellow Shelter Pet Squad members who volunteer at the local animal shelter one Saturday morning to hear a surprise: the shelter is getting six Sato puppies from Puerto Rico. The squad excitedly gets ready to meet the puppies by making dog beds and preparing the pens. After the dogs arrive, the squad members get to know the dogs as they help them adjust to the shelter. Suzannah immediately falls in love adorable Paloma, a tan chihuahua-mix puppy. Knowing that she can’t keep Paloma for herself, Suzannah sets out help find her a home. Lord’s use of easy vocabulary and clear sentences as well as an interesting and relatable storyline make this series perfect for students transitioning into chapter books and pet lovers alike. Endearing and sweet, Shelter Pet Squad inspires children to make a positive difference in their communities as well as properly care for their pets. Lord has added a fun and useful extra features section at the end of the book that includes: Fast facts about dogs, Ways you can help Shelter Animals. Caring for a pet, two pet related crafts, Shelter Pet Squad Pledge and a note from the author. Recommended for animal loving 2nd-4th graders.

Overall Book Score: very good