Moka is a good dog. But when Michelle, his little girl, reads him a book about wolves, being a good dog suddenly seems awfully boring. Wolves get to run around doing whatever they want. No one ever makes a wolf dress up for a tea party. So Moka decides to run away to the wild. But what will happen when the real wolves show up? Captivat[ing]. . . Children will howl with delight when they meet this engaging pup.”—School Library Journal, starred review.
—School Library Journal, starred review Thanks to excellent pacing, children will get caught up in the childlike Moka's emotions: the pleasure of being free, the loneliness of night, and the exuberant reunion with Michelle…. A final twist provides the perfect end to this appealing tale that will lend itself to storytime or one-on-one reading.
—BooklistKeiko Kasza was born on a small Japanese island in the Inland Sea of Japan. She grew up in a typical Japanese extended family with her parents, two brothers, and grandparents. Uncles, aunts, and cousins also lived nearby. All the steps I took growing up were very normal, Ms. Kasza says. The only unusual thing I did was go to college in the United States. She graduated with a degree in graphic design from California State University at Northridge. Ms. Kasza married an American, and the United States has been her home ever since.
After publishing five children's books in Japan and working as a graphic designer for fourteen years, Ms. Kasza decided in 1988 to devote her time to picture books. She says, Having two small boys and two professions was too much to handle.
Ms. Kasza admires many great picture-book creators, such as Leo Lionni and Maurice Sendak, but says that the work of Arnold Lobel has influenced her the most. The subtle humor and warmth he created in his books continues to inspire me, she says. I often go back to his work when I get discouraged or lose confidence.
Ms. Kasza compalãÜ