Child and hound revel in their loving bond and in the natural world. Home from school, a ruddy-cheeked, tan-skinned youngster with short, curly black hair collects an eagerly waiting black-and-white pooch, and the two set out on a walk through the woods. Both savor intriguing smells, sprouting flora, and hidden fauna—all signs that “spring [is] peeking…here, here, and here.” When they reach the dog’s favorite place, the pond, the young narrator throws rocks and sticks while the pup bounds off joyfully. Suddenly, evening descends, and the protagonist is alone. For two nerve-wracking spreads, the child calls and searches—and then the pet reappears for an elated nose-to-nose reunion. Brief narrative tension is balanced with overall celebratory sentiments as the pooch’s reliable scent memory leads them home. Poetic words and borderless artwork are equally intense. Amid a vibrant and saturated palette of teal, green, and yellow, the child’s scarlet puffer coat glows like a brilliant beacon. Finch’s lyrical text directly addresses the hound (“you spin happy circles and dance your paws”) and especially the pup’s exceptional “back door nose,” “tree nose,” “trail nose,” “snowplow nose,” “submarine nose,” and “dinner bowl nose.” This spot-on verbal recognition of a special canine attribute pairs well with visuals rife with details that signal the shift from winter to spring. A final page of notes provides succinct information on some of the plants and animals shown and a dog’s olfactory prowess. An exuberant tribute to a faithful pet and to the advent of spring. (Picture book. 4-8)