Sunshine by Marion Dane Bauer (review)

When the chance comes to spend a summer week in the wilderness of northern Minnesota with his mother—who walked out when he was three and never came back—Ben is excited but more than a little nervous. Fortunately, along for the trip and ready to calm his fears is his faithful but imaginary dog Sunshine. Desperate to prove he's a son worth coming home for, Ben pretends he's fine with the primitive cabin, not terrified of the woods, the wolves, and the bears, and definitely not still hurt and angry. Adventures into nearby lakes and forests soon draw the two closer, but Ben's attempts to get his mother's attention lead to a series of near disasters that ultimately force the pair to face the unspoken pain of the past and Ben to understand the hole that Sunshine has been filling. Bauer offers an imaginative and emotionally compelling take on the story of a boy and his dog here. Ben's confusion over his mother's departure and his desperation for the normality he thinks her return will bring are keenly and believably drawn, and even young readers new to the idea of symbolism will appreciate how the adorable and adoring Sunshine serves as more than just an imaginary friend. The atmospheric setting, meanwhile, sets the stage for hard-won lessons in courage and independence, with just enough danger to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Ultimately a moving story of forgiveness and early maturity, it's also a strong recommendation for adventure readers and dog lovers.