Poor Louie, Written and Illustrated by Tony Fucile

Louie is a spoiled chihuahua, used to total and undivided attention from his 'parents'. Going on walks, going shopping, getting ice cream, dinner, a movie and a kiss goodnight. Then one day, things started to change. Unexpected guests with small creatures that wouldn't leave Louie alone. Louie's parents have kicked him out of their bed. And most unusual, Mom's stomach has been getting bigger! Then they started buying things in twos! Could it be there will be two new creatures in the house! Suddenly, Mom and Dad left in a hurry, and left Louie alone. That was the last straw for Louie. It was time for Louie to gather his things and runaway.

The illustrations are simple but expressive with mostly white backgrounds, line drawings and fill color. The use of scale, composition and text size help convey Louie's feelings. Poor Louie is a perfect allegory for how kids might feel when they are expecting a new sibling. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 1.8 • Interest Level: P-2 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 480 • Publisher: Candlewick • Pages: 40 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-7636-5828-1 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Primary