December 1, 2023
Readers bid farewell to a beloved canine character. Momo is--or was--an adorable and very photogenic border collie owned by author Knapp. The many readers who loved him in the previous half-dozen books are in for a shock with this one. "Momo had died" is the stark reality--and there are no photographs of him here. Instead, Momo has been replaced by a flat cartoonish pastiche with strange, staring round white eyes, inserted into some of Knapp's photography (which remains appealing, insofar as it can be discerned under the mixed media). Previous books contained few or no words. Unfortunately, virtuosity behind a lens does not guarantee mastery of verse. The art here is accompanied by words that sometimes rhyme but never find a workable or predictable rhythm ("We'd fetch and we'd catch, / we'd run and we'd jump. Every day we found new / games to play"). It's a pity, because the subject--a pet's death--is an important one to address with children. Of course, Momo isn't gone; he can still be found "everywhere" in memories. But alas, he can be found here only in the crude depictions of the darling dog so well known from the earlier books. A well-meaning but lackluster tribute. (Picture book. 4-8)
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February 1, 2024
PreS-K-Momo the dog loves to play hide-and-seek, and he has taken this game all around the world. Over time, he has played in mountains, cities, beaches, and more, enjoying each new environment as well as the wildlife that comes with it. But time changes all things, and Momo eventually begins slowing down, resting his head one final time for the sleep that will take him away from this world. This accessible picture book is written for young children, incorporating short phrases, rhyming lines, and interactive text. Much like the other books in the "Find Momo" series, this one invites readers to participate in Momo's game, searching for both the dog and his companions among some of the many sights found in the world. Colorful images are superimposed onto photographs of real places, which grants the world a childlike and playful quality. The text is poetic and lyrical overall, and while Momo's death is clearly described, it is done so in a way that is tender and heartfelt. Fans of Momo's series of books will appreciate being able to mourn their friend in this way, and any reader who has lost a beloved pet will discover tools to grieve on their own terms, as well. VERDICT This is a touching story about grief that celebrates the idea that loved ones can be remembered in many circumstances, even after they have passed.-Mary R. Lanni
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