In this gentle, moving
story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily
through life together. When she is young, Elfie is full of pep and
pranks; but as her master grows taller and taller, Elfie grows
fatter and slower. One morning Elfie does not wake up.
The family grieves and
buries her, and the boy refuses a new puppy. He is not yet ready
for another pet; but when he is, he will tell that one, as he told
Elsie every night, "I'll always love you." The watercolor
illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood and cozily
rounded in form, suit the simple text perfectly. Rylant uses
simple, comfortable language and an abundance of careful detail to
create a place of warmth and happiness.
