Common Sense Note
Kids will enjoy the poems about mischievous, wise, kind and mysterious canines. Rand creates energetic, engaging artwork.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Susan Fitzgerald
Johnston peppers her book with canine quotes from Franz Kafka and William Shakespeare. The author takes readers on a journey from the first dog of the caveman, introduces us to Henry VIII's dogs, tells the story of Mr. Lincoln's doctor's dog, and reveals the long road taken by a dog seeking the holy manger.
One twelve-year-old reader was a little disappointed as he searched unsuccessfully for his own black Lab in these pages, but was quickly drawn into the stories.
From the image of a caveman-days dog lurking near a fire to an adorable pet hiding under a tablecloth, Rand captures the power of the moment in his exuberant watercolor paintings. The Christmas dachshund with his bright red bow and the picture of a dog being an adoptive mother of kittens warms the heart.
Other Johnston books include The Magic Maguey and Very Scary. For more animal poetry, try Douglas Florina's Mammalabilia.
Plot Summary:
This book is a true gift for dog lovers; children and adults. Anyone who has experienced a dog's unconditional love will recognize the varied personalities off these giving creatures. The watercolor paintings leap off the page with tail-wagging energy and big-eyed emotion.
Forty-three poems about forty-three dogs. Dog owners are likely to find their breed, from beagles to Saint Bernards, from bulldogs to mutts. The topics include visiting rest homes, begging for food, fetching the ball, dreaming of glory days, and being an adoptive (dog) mother to kittens. Ted Rand's personality-filled illustrations accompany the words.
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ViolenceOne poem in particular portrays a dog at the pound. Another touches on cruelty to animals. |
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