Oscar Comes Home by Audra Shine is a beautifully written picture book that captures the spirit of patience, understanding, and the special bond between humans and animals. At the heart of the story is Oscar, a lovable puppy who has a new home. Oscar’s new owner learns that puppies need training, that mishaps will happen, and it takes a lot of patience to acclimate a pet to a new environment. It is written in the first person POV, so young readers can put themselves in the story, making reading engaging and enjoyable. The story is entertaining and emphasizes responsibility and commitment in light-hearted prose.

Vector illustrations by A.C. Bodnar complement each page, highlighting each happy moment and mishap. Each colorful page will delight children as they journey with Oscar in his new home. Through every challenge and triumph, the bond between the boy and his furry friend grows stronger, showing the enduring happiness and love of welcoming a new pet into the home. The storytelling is well executed with a smooth flow and rhythmic meter. Audra Shine teaches children the importance of being a responsible pet owner and remaining calm when a puppy has an accident in the house or chews up shoes. The book covers crate and potty training, walking, and obedience. It entertains and teaches important lessons about pet care, responsibility, and the rewards of patience and love. Oscar Comes Home is a charming addition to any child's bookshelf, offering a tale of companionship and the special bond between a dog and its owner.

Somewhere out there is a lovely family with a cute young boy who desperately wishes for a puppy. Today is special for him because his parents have sorted out all the finer details, and today he will get a pet puppy named Oscar. Our young friend is overjoyed, but with that joy comes some trepidation. Owning a puppy is more than just playing fetch and taking long, enjoyable strolls through the neighborhood. With great power comes great responsibility, and now this youngster must decide if he can live up to his parents' expectations in Oscar Comes Home, written by Audra Shine and illustrated by A.C. Bodnar.

Audra Shine explores the dynamics of the bond between humans and dogs through the charmingly innocent perspective of a child. The character development is concise and straightforward, with essential origin stories that will appeal to the primary audience of young readers. The dialogue is equally simple, yet Shine deserves praise for the stylish way she brings it to life, mainly through the little boy's realistic reactions whenever Oscar does something unexpected. A.C. Bodnar's illustrations are outstanding, featuring rich colors that blend beautifully with vivid images to create a captivating tapestry that engages young readers. The standout quality of Shine's delightful picture book is her intuitive storytelling style, which provides an entertaining story for children and is a helpful guide for first-time pet owners on the basics of caring for a pet. I thoroughly enjoyed Oscar Comes Home and look forward to more from this author.