Kristin Hoyt Siyahian’s picture book Lola and the Herd profiles a dog and her everyday life with her human family.

Lola is a Kelpie, a herding dog whose “herd” is the human family she lives with. In addition to requiring basic food, water, shelter, and love, she needs a massage every morning and enjoys people singing to her. She prances on her walks, barks rarely, and knows several commands. She enjoys routine, is spooked by vacuum cleaners, and uses her ears and tail to communicate. Whenever a member of the family leaves, Lola worries— and happily rejoices when the family is reunited. She enjoys her life with her herd, and they enjoy theirs with her.

The book is a light, enjoyable ode to a family dog. Lola’s typical activities are reviewed with charm and style. However, the story reads mostly as any profile of a family dog might. Lola doesn’t do a lot of actual herding, and her qualities, including enjoying massages and songs, don’t involve any page-turning intrigue or conflict.

Still, the book has much appeal. The illustrations deliver information in fun ways: for example, Lola’s communication is demonstrated through a series of pictures showing her as “worried,” “playful,” etc. through her ear and tail positions. When Lola looks the same for certain cues, such as “High Alert!” and “Happy,” a tongue-in-cheek caption for the latter notes: “Not to be confused with High Alert!” When her humans’ commands are shown, we see “Sit,” “Down,” and “Shake,” before a comedic entry, “Rumba!” that features Lola standing with maracas in her paws, wearing a headdress and feather boa. This humor provides a needed spark of the unexpected throughout.

The art, delivered in pen, ink, and watercolor, is warm and inspired. The focus is always on Lola, demonstrating a dog’s level, Lola-centric view of the world.

Overall, Lola and the Herd is a simple, sweet, slice-of-life glimpse into the everyday routines of a Kelpie.