Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life

Gr 1-3–With an eye toward encouraging children to search for their own special talents, celebrity author Aniston casts one of her rescue dogs as a pooch with a problem. It seems that young Clydeo just doesn’t feel special as part of his bustling canine clan, and so, his motto being “Take a bite out of life!” he proactively sets out to poll some of his accomplished kinfolk, from skateboard daredevil Grandpa Clyderton to bone-digging paleontologist Auntie Clydette, about what floated their boats. None of their things prove to be his thing, but he does find his bliss at last, and in an unexpected place—the kitchen, where at his mom’s request he slices, dices, and exuberantly dishes up a festive, fabulous feast. Great things can happen, he burbles at the end, a sentiment that young audiences may join, given half a chance. Jacob individualizes the members of the shaggy cast in the bright cartoon illustrations, while leaving in strong family resemblances; the author adds a selfie with the original Clyde to her afterword.