Ajmera teams up with Fisher for this third entry in the It's a Kids World series, which focuses on the worldwide similarities of children, and in this case, their dogs. The irresistible cover photo shows a cheeky Dalmatian planting a smooch on a cute African-American girl, and black-and-white Dalmatian dots decorate the endpapers to define the cheery, playful tone. Subsequent photos throughout the volume show children of different ages, ethnic groups, and countries enjoying outdoor interactions with dogs large and small. Many countries are represented, with the name of the country printed unobtrusively in a corner of each photo. The short, lyrical text is printed in extra-large type, explaining in a few simple, well-crafted sentences why a dog is not just man's best friend, but a kid's as well. An unnecessary one-page introduction by Super Gus (a cartoon character) of Planet Dog (a charity associated with one of the authors) is a rather jarring note that doesn't fit in with the rest of the work. Two concluding pages of basic facts about dogs are more useful, though not as entertaining as the charming photographs of smiling children and their beloved best friends.

"A dog is a best friend/for playing,/and rolling,/and running like the wind." A collaboration between the Global Fund for Children, Planet Dog Philanthropy and photographers around the world, A Kid's Best Friend by Maya Ajmera and Alex Fisher documents the bond between children and their dogs. Throughout, labels indicate where each photograph was taken (settings as varied as Bhutan, Russia, the U.S. and Indonesia are represented on a single spread).

This appealing series title is filled with cute kids and adorable dogs from around the world. The simple text and pictures show youngsters and their pups playing, interacting, and caring for one another. Countries include Nigeria, Poland, Argentina, Canada, and Bulgaria. The full-page, full-color photographs tell the whole story of these special relationships. An attractive addition with a universial theme.

At a quick glance, this seems to be a book with some pleasant pictures of kids and their dogs. But when introduced by a teacher or librarian, it can be used in many ways, including units on breeds, working dogs, and pets around the world. The brief text, in large, bold letters, invites new readers into the book. The words are more mood than information: [a dog is]"a friend for cuddling and feeding." But the attractive color photos have more of a story to tell. The children are from different countries, and the photos show some of their differences: a boy from the African country of Benin sits in the hot sand holding his dog as he leans against a grass hut; a Peruvian girl and her dog watch sheep graze. Some of the dogs are working dogs (one helps a girl in a wheelchair); some are just there for fun. The book concludes with a brief history of breeds, handling, and care.