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María Murillo is a children’s book author wranglin’ up stories deep in the heart of Texas, where the love for dogs runs big. Published through her own imprint, Lyvro Publishing, her debut book is just the beginning of many tales crafted to educate and entertain kids, while celebrating the loyalty, love, and life lessons dogs bring.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Dog + Girl by Maria Murillo is a warm picture book that celebrates the timeless friendship between people and their dogs, but in this case, a pup and her girl companion, Loops. Readers are introduced to the fuzzy Montana pup, Sascha, on the very first page, and the story is told through her playful perspective. Simple things, like getting treats and going for car rides, make her happy. The loving relationship between Sascha and Loops is interwoven, growing into a deep affection. The illustrations provide insight into what the dog sees, such as the landscapes and Texas skies described in the text. Sascha sees Loops not just as a best friend but as a source of comfort, laughter, and love, making everyday moments feel extraordinary. Dog + Girl is both a love letter to dogs and a reminder of the loyalty and joy that come from sharing life with a beloved companion.
What I loved most about Dog + Girl by Maria Murillo is its mellow and sweet tone. As an educator, I believe the use of rhyming words will keep kids interested from start to finish. In classrooms, it could spark conversations about favorite activities with pets, their names, and how to care for them, possibly leading to the creation of lists of words that sound the same. I could also imagine extending this story with activities like drawing a pet (or dog) and naming it, creating a memory game based on the book, or making charts with questions like “Do you have a pet?” The vibrant artwork by JuLi Litkei is both engaging and calming. This lovely story belongs in both school and home libraries. I highly recommend it.
