Review: ‘Say Hello’ to Zorro, Bud in picture book

“Say Hello to Zorro!” by Carter Goodrich: Simon & Schuster

One of the things you’ll learn by reading this column is that I love picture books. Sure, they’re wonderful for little ones, but you know what? They’re pretty darn great for adults, too.

If I’ve had a bad day, I often find that reading a picture book is more therapeutic than most adult titles.

And one of my favorite new titles is “Say Hello to Zorro!” by Carter Goodrich. In this charming tale, Goodrich shows that change is hard for everyone.

Whether it’s adjusting to a new job, a new school or a new puppy, disruptions in routines can make even the most flexible of us a bit cranky. Take Bud, for instance. He’s a dog with a very strict schedule — and that makes him very happy.

But when he meets Zorro — a pug with his own schedule and attitude — routines turn into chaos, and that makes Bud unhappy.

With delightful illustrations and witty text, the reader can’t help but be tickled at the two canines’ dogmatic approach to daily life.

Will Bud and Zorro be able to get along?

No unhappy endings here, but you’ll have to read the book to find out how these furry fellows work things out.

Jan Johnston is the Collection Development Coordinator for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org. She blogs at youbetterreadnow.blogspot.com.