Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

Georgia’s Day Out: A Dog's Day in Historic Jonesborough is an intriguingly different story. Written by Jeff Ward and beautifully illustrated by Ben Marchál in a clear “cartoon” style, it is based firmly in reality. Teenagers do become so involved in their own lives that they make mistakes they genuinely didn’t intend. When the couple who adopted rescue dog Georgia go on holiday over the Fourth Of July, they leave their son Andrew in charge. He’d been letting off fireworks with the dog safely indoors, but he forgot to shut the gate! The next day, readers are invited to follow Georgia’s adventures as she explores downtown Jonesborough. Ideal for older children to read, this is a story that will hold the attention of younger ones too.

Georgia’s Day Out is a picture book with a powerful story. I’ve never visited Jonesborough, Tennessee, but I feel I have. I followed Georgia and watched it, and the townsfolk, come alive. What I loved most were the touches of humor. Georgia goes into the candy shop and the antiques mall, but at the pet store, she sees treats being handed out to the dogs and joins the queue. So, what happens to Georgia? The hunt is on for the family’s much-loved dog. Are they reunited? Georgia’s Day Out by Jeff Ward is a perfect gift for the youngsters in your life, but be sure to read it before you wrap it. You’ll enjoy it as I did… and find out what happens!