#10. Cherry and Olive
Written and Illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe

With their one-two punch of art and text, children's books can quickly transport little readers into new world — the big city, 1930s Georgia, outer space. Without ever saying so, this book feels like a little trip to a European capital. The story is not surprising: Because Cherry is rotund and likes books, she has few friends until she meets a stray Shar-Pei puppy she calls Olive. But the pictures are enchanting; her cable sweater and his skin seem to match. And through him she finds confidence and friends. What will happen when his owner returns? Relax people, these are kids books not Tolstoy's. It ends well.