The Day Leap Soared

Sled dog pup Leap goes on her first run with the other dogs in this exuberant debut starring, per an author’s note, the real life BraverMountain Mushing sled dog team. Braverman, a dogsledder, writes from Northwoods-based Leap’s perspective: “Her favorite thing is fresh, powdery snow. She jumps/ and bounces// and flies through the air!/ WHOOSH!” Bright prose proceeds, describing the other canines’ traits—Refried energizes the team with singing, Jenga excels at finding trails—and the subject’s worries about distinguishing herself. On Leap’s inaugural outing, sled dog booties “make her feet feel funny,” and “her belly feels like it’s doing flips,” but running proves exhilarating. En route, each dog displays its unique skills, and an icy obstacle allows Leap to discover her own gift. Working with vibrant acrylic gouache, When captures the snowy landscape with wide brushstrokes and uses thick multicolored outlining to spotlight the canine subjects’ energy. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)