Dog Gone (by Amanda Harvey)

On his adventure he bolts over thorny hedges (hay stacks), fords dangerous rivers (a creek), and escapes fearsome beasts (a group of sheep munching disinterestedly on a hillside). Deciding that his escape has been ill advised, he returns willingly to the friendly safety of Misty Meadow where he stays happily until his owners return.

Third in a series by British author/illustrator Amanda Harvey, the story takes place in the pastoral setting of the lush English countryside, painted in soft pastel watercolors. There's lots of activity in the illustrations and the animals' faces are expressive, but it is Otis' ears that make the strongest statement. They most often stand straight out from his head, giving him a look of comical intensity. He appears friendly yet alert, gullible but determined.

Otis is an endearing character and his situation will resonate with children. For a child a similar situation might be staying at Grandmother's house, and running away may be hiding at the back of the yard or venturing to the end of the block, but the feelings involved are much the same. Like a loved child, Otis has the strength of character that comes from feeling that despite some difficulties, the world is ultimately a good place.