Felipe and Claudette, written by Mark Teague, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Felipe the cat and Claudette the dog cannot catch a break at the shelter. Adoption days come and go and these two never get adopted. Felipe watches Claudette in disgust and tells the dog why she will never be adopted. She runs in circles, barks, digs holes and snores among other bad traits (in Felipe's eyes). Mrs. Barrett is in charge of the shelter and tries to get the two adopted with no luck. Finally, Claudette is adopted because of all of her traits. But then she is returned because the man did not see those traits at home. This is a very nice story with great illustrations.Young children may not know about animal shelters where animals get adopted. The story is cute but poignant when Felipe and Claudette or not adopted on each adoption day but then one of them is adopted. You can tell that they need one another. And in the end Mrs. Barrett adopts Felipe and Claudette and they get the life they have been dreaming of in the story. There are very good lessons for young children including friendship, pets, love of animals, kindness and caring. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great story of animal shelters, friendship, kindness and caring. The illustrations are great too.