The Adventures of Taxi Dog by Debra and Sal Barraca, Pictures by Mark Buehner

For the dog lovers in all of us, The Adventures of Taxi Dog by Debra and Sal Barraca is an endearing story from the perspective of Maxi, the Taxi Dog. The brightly colored pictures show the hubbub of New York City. The city is full of life as businessmen rush to work briefcase in hand, cars honk, and children play. Just as there is never a dull moment in New York City, there never is a dull moment in the illustrations. Each picture captures the essence of the words on the page.

Maxi, the taxi dog, though was not always a taxi dog. He grew up wandering the streets in search of food until one day, a taxi driver named Jim stops and gives Maxi an owner and home. Together they embark on adventures day after day. Whether it is taking people to New York's finest shows, to the hospital, or to and from the airport, Jim and Maxi are a team.

Since it is from the perspective of Maxi, the taxi dog, there is a certain degree of innocence to the writing. Each page follows an AABCCB rhyming pattern, which adds to the excitement, liveliness, and enjoyment of the story. This story may find children asking for a shelter puppy or a stray animal. Debra and Sal Barracas' dedication at the beginning of the story relays, "For all the homeless and abused creatures of the world-may they all find peace some day." All animals really need is love, and that is what Maxi has found with Jim.