title: The Stray Dog: From a True Story by Reiko Sassa
author:  Marc Simont 
description: "It was a great day for a picnic," begins Marc Simont's lovely, touching, happy-ending picture book, <i>The Stray Dog</i>. And indeed, judging from the opening spread's clear skies, sparkling water, zooming boats, and adventure-bound cars it looks to be so. The story begins as a scruffy little dog makes an appearance at a family's picnic. The children name him Willy, and by the end of the day they desperately want to take him home. The family drives away, but all week they can think of nothing but their new furry friend. They return to picnic at the same spot the very next week, much to Willy's good fortune--and that of the newly smitten family.
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  ![cover](images/00007.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  ![BANE_TitlePgs10.png](images/00009.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  New York City, 1989
  
  
  The man was far too close. He lingered by the postbox about six feet away from
  Magnus and ate a sloppy Gray’s Papaya hot dog covered in chili. When he was
  done, he crumpled the chili-stained wrapper and threw it onto the ground in
  Magnus’s general direction, then tugged at a hole in his denim jacket and did
  not look away. It was like the look some animals gave their