Thank you to Net Galley and the Gryphon Press for an advance of this sweet book. Ironically, I'd shared many hours reading this series with my now 18-year-old, and I was just looking for it last week. I wasn't sure if this new edition would be the same, but it's still as enchanting as before. There's something calming and lovely about this story about a little Scottie that finds a home. The book is set in the 1930s, a more slow, classic time, and that just exudes from the story and illustrations. If you know young children, get this book. I promise you (they) will LOVE it. After reading the electronic advance, I just pre-ordered three copies. This book is just what is needed right now.

McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells is a classic and timeless story that will appeal to readers of all ages. From an adult perspective, I found that I was particularly nostalgic for this type of wholesome story that took me straight back to the books that I so loved as a child. With beautiful illustrations by Susan Jeffers, readers will surely be charmed by this story about an adorable little terrier who finds his forever home.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for this ARC.

This is a bit of an oldie, although I never read it when it was first published (as I was already an adult and hadn't yet realized how much fun it can be to read children's picture books). The story, set in the 1930s, is about a little white dog who finds himself lost and alone after "escaping" from the dogcatcher. After he meets Lucy and Fred, he just may have found his forever home.

The story is sweet and simple, and the illustrations are quite cute (there's one where everybody's in bed and holding hands/paws that is rather adorable). I don't really have a problem with the story... except when it comes to what they're feeding the dog. In this respect, it reminds me of The Poky Little Puppy and its emphasis on feeding desserts to dogs. The same thing happens here, with Lucy feeding McDuff rice pudding with sliced sausages. Now, that's not terrible (there are worse things you can feed dogs, after all), but then the book has to go and reinforce it by including a recipe for rice pudding that includes warning about feeding dogs things like vanilla extract and milk. It seems odd to have included such a recipe if it needs those caveats. (It would've made more sense to emphasize the sausages, rather than the sugary dessert.)

A note at the end explains about the dire situation for dogs in shelters, and also offers some suggestions. Unfortunately, they're inaccurate. The book states that Petfinder operates in the US and Mexico... when, in fact, it operates in all of North America. It's sad that Canadian children might feel like they have no opportunity to adopt a dog simply because the book inexplicably gets it wrong.

This is a charming little story with a retro feel. But parents should be aware that the back matter isn't 100% accurate, and could be potentially harmful to a dog's digestive system.

What a lovely little story. I've juts read it with my nearly 4yr old who looked very sad at the start of the story and asked if the dog was OK when no one wanted him. She was very pleased with the ending. The dog in the book reminds us of our little doggy. Lovely illustrations and a lovely story

How could this beautiful book be anything but 5 stars? Rosemary Wells' story is heartwarming and the illustrations by Susan Jeffers are so beautifully drawn and evocative of its 1930's setting.

McDuff isn't McDuff to start with, instead he is an escapee from the dog catcher's truck. As he searches for a home, the wonderful drawings and kind words show a bygone era beginning in quiet streets and ending in a house so richly imagined and realistic it felt like that of an old friend.

As I share life with my Westie, Jess, and rescue dog, Alfie, I hoped this book would be one I could read with my young grandchildren and I absolutely plan to do so as soon as possible, maybe all snuggled up with a bowl of rice pudding each made from the recipe at the back of the book.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who remembers the original, likes beautifully illustrated work, or is a dog lover, in fact everyone who wants a little hug of a book to make you feel good.  Highly recommended.