In this dextrous weaving of pictures and words, none has a dog’s life. Wright's work is a classic contribution to children’s literature. Though, which adult does not love a dog?

Children's literature and animal studies come together in this novel. And the lost art of illustrations make this book an indispensable textual archive for seeing how a foreign couple become Indian through their love of a dog. Dogs figure prominently in Sanskrit literature, Indian vernaculars and of course, in American fiction. Mishti, the Mirzapuri Labrador is in the tradition of this literature and like all great books meant for children, adults will find metaphors of Indian life woven into the woof of this book. These metaphors of love and affection make this book stand out within the entries in this genre. Wright, while writing in a light vein, has created literature.

[Citations from the Jury]