The Robe Squad: A Charlestown Tail

Every family has a grandparent with a story that grows a little taller each time it’s told, and this one has the makings of a favorite. Meet Artie, an openhearted older gentleman, and Gizmo, his energetic Yorkshire terrier, who together form “the Robe Squad,” so named for their love of soft, comfortable bathrobes. They’re so fond of them, in fact, that they wear them on an evening stroll while everyone else in town is bundled up in coats.

On that walk, the pair spots a mouse shivering beneath a leaf, and what follows is a gentle, rather improbable rescue: a trip to the veterinarian, a warm welcome home, and, as a finishing touch, a tiny knit robe made just for the new arrival. Young readers may take all of this at face value, but part of the fun lies in noticing the story’s quirks, and grown-ups reading aloud can invite kids in by asking them to spot the bathrobes among the winter coats or to wonder whether mice really visit the vet, or whether the storytelling might be stretching things a bit. The narration is plainspoken and notably polite (“Thank you also, Doctor Valerie,” said Artie, “You’re such a kind doctor”), moving briskly from one event to the next with the easy confidence of a narrator who loves his material and may not need anyone else’s approval. At 18 pages, the tale is a quick one, wrapping up before too many questions can arise. Orback’s bold lines and smooth digital colors keep the scenes clear and bright. The back matter explains that the story is drawn from a real incident in Smith’s life, a fitting note for a tale with such a fond, fireside feel. Readers who enjoy a cozy, lighthearted, slightly too-good-to-be-true adventure will find plenty to smile about here.