I had my doubts about reading this because it was a story about a dog, and it was a Newbery Honour Book, which made me suspect the dog would die. (Newbery does reward dead pets, don't ask me why.) But for once, for once! the dog survived and had a happy ever after, and so did everyone the dog met. Because it's basically a furry shambling ball of happiness, plucked off the street (supermarket aisle) like an orphan and given to a small girl who is half an orphan herself. It's a quick, easy read and thoroughly good-natured, all without being saccharine, which is lovely.