Description: Smudge the dog does not bark, so his owner and he go explore the sounds that other animals make as they discover that you do not need words to show you love someone.
Brief description: Sujean Rim is the author-illustrator of My Dog Smudge, Take a Breath, Take a Chance, Birdie's Big-Girl Shoes, Chee-Kee: A Panda in Bearland, and many more books for children, and she has created artwork for Tiffany & Co., Target, J.Crew, Wynn Resorts, and beyond. Sujean lives in New York with her husband, Bob; their son, Charlie; and two dogs. Find her online at SujeanRim.com.
Review Quotes: The illustrations, created with pencil and digital techniques, are warm and inviting. Smudge's expressive face and the child's inquisitive eyes shine through soft lines and gentle textures, capturing the unspoken bond between pet and owner. [...] An interactive lift-the-flap element adds extra engagement, inviting young readers to uncover surprises along the way. Themes of connection and empathy resonate strongly, making this a gentle reminder that love often transcends language. The repetitive structure and simple text make it accessible to emerging readers, while the underlying message will resonate with anyone who has experienced or wished for the special relationship between humans and their animal companions. A sweet, heartwarming tale that celebrates the universal language of friendship and understanding. --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "8/1/25"