The Robe Squad: A Charlestown Tail

The Robe Squad: A Charlestown Tail
By Arthur Russell Smith
 
Artie and his dog Gizmo live in Boston near the harbor, and the two are pretty much inseparable. They eat together, play together, watch the boats together, and even wear matching bathrobes. Artie has a blue one and Gizmo has a pink one, which makes them the very official "Robe Squad." It is a simple idea, but it gives the story a lot of its charm.
 
During a chilly evening walk, Artie and Gizmo hear a squeak and discover a tiny mouse shivering underneath a leaf. Instead of walking past, they stop to help. They bring the mouse to Doctor Valerie, who checks him over and discovers that he is healthy, just a little sniffly and hungry. Once the mouse has been taken care of, Artie realizes that the Robe Squad doesn't have to be a team of two anymore.
 
I especially liked that the story doesn't make helping someone seem like a huge or complicated thing. Artie sees a little creature who needs some help, and he simply does what he can. That kindness ends up bringing a new friend into their lives. There is also something really cute about the way the story builds on the idea of the matching robes. After bringing Mouse home, Artie sits down with his yarn and needles and makes him a tiny gold robe of his very own. The little mouse-sized robe is a fun ending and gives the story a cozy feeling.
 
For young children, The Robe Squad: A Charlestown Tail is a gentle story with a simple message that comes through naturally: be kind, help others when you can, and don't be afraid to make room for a new friend. I also liked the repeated emphasis on doing things "together," because that really is what the story is about. By the end, the Robe Squad has grown from two members to three, and the little group feels like a warm, happy family.
 
It's a short and cozy read that would make a nice bedtime story, especially for kids who enjoy animals, friendship stories, and, of course, the idea of everyone having their own comfy robe.