Hey, Al (Arthur Yorinks)

Summary: Al, a janitor, and his faithful dog, Eddie, live in a single room on the West Side.  They eat together, they work together, they do everything together.  So what's the problem?

Their room is crowded and cramped; their life is an endless struggle.  Al and Eddie are practically at each other's throats when a large and mysterious bird offers them a new life in paradise.  After some debate, they decide to accept.

Transported to a gorgeous island in the sky, Al and Eddie are soon living a life of ease and luxury.  But they come to find that the grass can be a little too green on the other side.  After a dramatic, nearly tragic escape from their paradise prison, both man and dog agree: there really is no place like home.  (from amazon.com)

Where can I find it?: Boston Public Library: Brighton, Connolly, Copley, Faneuil, Honan-Allston, Hyde Park, Lower Mills, South End, West End, and West Roxbury branches

Tags: Birds; Dogs; Paradise; Friendship; Human-animal relationships; Fantasy fiction; Satisfaction; Dwellings; Caldecott Medal