Murray Christmas
by E. G. Keller; illus. by the author
Primary    Abrams    40 pp.    g
9/22    978-1-4197-5392-3    $17.99
e-book ed.  978-1-6470-0269-5    $15.54

Scrappy little mutt Murray takes his ID-tag label of “Patrol Dog” seriously, barking at any and all perceived threats to his humans. Christmastime and its confusing home decorations bring additional challenges, but he’s most confounded by Santa. Who is this person he sees on TV and in shop windows, and why do his humans love him? On Christmas Eve, Murray defends his domain from this red-suited intruder, but the chase through the house results in a big mess. “This wouldn’t do at all!” Murray and Santa join forces to clean up, and the next morning Murray is rewarded with a gift of his own from Santa—a new ID tag reading “Very Helpful Dog.” Lively digital illustrations portray a vibrant, diverse city neighborhood and cast of characters (Murray’s humans are a same-sex interracial couple and their daughter). A mix of full-page and panel art full of action, personality, and humor keeps the pace brisk.

From the November/December 2022 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.