Please Don't Tell Cooper He's a Dog

Cooper the family pet is a dog—but don’t tell him. Saved from the shelter by his human family, his tastes and preferences are more refined than the average canine. Rather than chasing around the park, he prefers attending the ballet or skiing. And he won’t touch dinner unless it comes with steak sauce. More heartwarming is Cooper’s affection for his family, who, through love and persistence, help him develop from an “unruly” stray to “head of the family.” While an uneven cadence interrupts a smooth reading experience, Feinberg develops an inventive story sure to delight and connect with pet owners who can relate to Cooper’s becoming an integral part of the household. Young readers will be especially entertained to see Cooper placed in familiar but unexpected places: attempting to drive a car, joining a meal at the table, and even sitting on the toilet. Mosca delivers nicely on what Feinberg sets up, as readers will smile at seeing Cooper decked out in snow gear skiing down the slopes, sitting at the dining table holding a fork and knife, and even gaining cultural exposure as he travels Europe. But even more appreciated will be the charming spreads showing Cooper’s moments surrounded by his loved ones as they play in the lake, roll on the lawn, and pose for a photo. Dog or not, readers know Cooper is part of a loving family. Endnotes share timely information about pet adoption and Feinberg’s own experience as an advocate for animal welfare.