Lester's dog was always around town creating trouble, especially Lester's friend. This could teach a lesson about behavioral issues even though the main character is a dog. Lester's friend has to have a poor kitten from Lester's dog. ( )

A young boy and his friend find a small kitten. In order to take the kitten back home, the boys must walk past a scary dog. The boy has been frightened of this dog for a long time. The dog actually "grabs at [his] shirt" with his teeth, and in order to protect the kitten, the boy growls very loudly at the dog. The startled dog backs away. The young boy knows exactly what to do with the kitten, and gives it to a neighbor of his. This story, written by Karen Hesse, shows a boy overcome his fear, and find the courage within to protect the helpless kitten. After growling at the dog, the young boy says, "All of me is trembling, and my legs feel like loose Jell-O." Earlier in the story, we meet his neighbor, Mr. Frank. The boy eventually gives the kitten to Mr. Frank. Before the boy discovers the kitten, though, he notices that Mr. Frank is always in his chair on his porch. He states, "Mama says he's a broken man since Mrs. Frank died, and I've been wondering for some time now just what it'd take to fix him." We are able to see how much the young boy cares for others, and that he knows that the old man will benefit from having the kitten. Nancy Carpenter's beautiful illustrations show the street that the boy lives on. We see nearby houses, all with front porches, and chairs on the porches. The neighborhood has a close-knit feel to it. When he has the kitten, the young boy cradles the kitten close to his chest, tight in his arms, with so much care. When Lester's dog comes after the boy and the kitten, we can see the boys arm stretched above his head, holding the kitten as far from the dog as possible. And, when Mr. Frank holds his new kitten for the first time, readers can see the tenderness in his eyes and hands, and know that they will be a good fit for one another. ( )