Kids into books: Ryan's Dog Ringo

Author: Marie Gibson

Illustration: Richard Hoit

Publisher: Shortland Publications, $8.75

Age group: 11-12 years

Just then, Rachel Stein from the boarding kennels strolled past on the opposite side of the road. She was walking her black Labrador, Paddy. Her faded shorts and T-shirt contrasted with her tanned arms and legs. Her dark pony-tail flipped across her freckled cheeks as she bent to restrain the dog.

"Want to come for a walk, Ryan?"she called. She didn't cross over. No one brought a dog near Greg. Everyone knew how he'd been attacked on his bike by a dog, and how he'd hit his head and injured his spine. That was last year and he hadn't walked since. Now he panicked if a dog came anywhere near. So did Aunt Beth! But then, she'd never liked dogs anyway.

Ryan crossed the street to pat the big, friendly Labrador. Paddy wagged his tail and licked Ryan's hand.

"I'd better not come,"said Ryan. "Greg's just home from the hospital. Anyway, it's the gym club wind-up tonight."He looked over his shoulder and saw his aunt struggling up the gravel path with Greg's wheelchair. She'd almost reached the steps. "I have to go."