Parents' Guide to

Good Dog

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Free verse Who's Who of cuddly canines.

Book Maya Gottfried Poetry 2008
Good Dog Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Coupled with a painting of an appropriate dog, playful free-verse text tells what each pet might be thinking, and saying, to its owner.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Amazingly, the free-verse poetry here gives a very real, yet subtle and sensitive, introduction to each of 16 breeds of dogs, from the Westie to the mutt. In simple and straightforward language, the Westie shows he aims to please while, in words that are scratching and tumbling over one another, the springer spaniel just wants to play. The Chihuahua is full of frenetic energy, a Pomeranian bewildered by an embarrassing hair-do, and a Scottie tale-wagging-ly excited to be out in the snow. Recited in the voice of each dog, the mood is lighthearted and friendly, the message is a "get to know me" plea.

Playful pencil sketches and a full-paged painted portrait fill out the poetic presentation that makes each plea so totally engaging. Placed against a shiny, black enamel background, the paintings by Robert Rahway Zakanitch are remarkably expressive and endearingly full of compassionate appeal. The portraits alone make this a book worth picking up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about, what else, DOGS! Each page, with its remarkable painting and free-verse expression, presents a new breed. Kids will have fun talking about the similarities and differences of the different dogs, choosing which one they like best, and talking about why. They can also talk about how the poetry expresses the different characteristics of each dog, and which pet would fit best in their household.

Book Details

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