4.0

Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Multicultural: Full English and Spanish language, side by side

Pepe the street dog makes it big when a sombrero flies off of a balcony and onto his head. Looking snappy, Pepe attracts the attention of a movie exec and soon Pepe is starring in films. Even with his change of fortune, Pepe is still lonely and longs for something more: a family.

I loved the "villain", El Gato en Zapatos, but I wish she didn't appear until the sequel. Perfect for a read-aloud in English and Spanish, Pepe's boundless energy, silly antics, and determination will leave kids satisfied with such a happy ending. Additional bonus: The illustrations are perfectly paired and delightfully done.