Pawfiles: Portraits of Dogs

By Kim Levin

Andrews McMeel, 130 pages, $14.95  

There's really no such thing as a picture book about "dogs." There is only - case in point here - a book about Lucy and Boomer; Owen; Charlie; Josie.  

And if Kim Levin's engaging portraits of these true individuals aren't proof enough (though they most decidedly are ... ) of their very specific personalities, each comes with a bio every bit as particular as your own. Josie, a 3-year-old lab mix with haunting eyes, once "ate a pound of peppermint patties, including the wrappers" and sunbathes "on both sides."

Levin, the photographer behind Bark & Smile Pet Portraits, is a master at capturing her sitters' essential qualities. This obviously takes patience, as well as deep respect. Oh, and a good eye. But most of all, an understanding that there will never, ever be another dog like Jake. Or Simone. Or Salty. Or ...

Post a Comment