There are lots of books about adding a puppy or dog to a family and the joy that can bring. Some children, and adults, however, are afraid of dogs. Perhaps because of a previous incident or just because dogs can seem large and boisterous.
Hannah is afraid.
"Every day after school, Hannah's papa picked her up at the bus stop. And every day after school, Sugar was at the bus stop waiting for Violet P. Every day after school, Mrs P. asked Hannah if she wanted to pet Sugar. And every day after school Hannah said, 'No, thank you."
The illustrations show how this scene is repeated day after day, season after season. One day, though, Sugar goes missing. Everyone looks everywhere but as night falls Sugar is not found. Hannah thinks about this situation from Sugar's point of view. She knows Sugar will be sad and hungry. As she sits outside she hears a small sound. She follows it and finds poor Sugar's lead has become entangled on some branches. This is a huge moment for Hannah. What will she do? She is terrified of Sugar but right now Sugar needs her help.
Image source: https://tinyurl.com/yc8s7w28
Take a look at this page - there is so much to discuss here if you are talking about the power of an image.
You can see more of the illustrations from Hannah and Sugar and read an interview with the author here. In this article by Seven Impossible things before Breakfast Berube shares her preliminary sketches. In 2017 Hannah and Sugar was short listed for the Klaus Flugge Prize. She inside Kate Berube's studio. You can even learn a song after reading this book. While they have some reservations about the story line it is also interesting to read the Kirkus review.
You can see some of the awards given to this book on the author web site. I love the idea of pairing books. Misty by Christine Dencer would be the perfect partner for Hannah and Sugar. I also found a list of books which encourage children to be brave.
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