Parents' Guide to

The Poet's Dog

By Jan Carr, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Talking dog helps stranded kids in gentle book about grief.

The Poet's Dog Poster Image

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This book is a spare, moving story about love and loss written by a masterful author of beloved children's classics. Though the main characters are a talking dog and two kids, The Poet's Dog is tinged with the feel of an older person looking back wistfully on life, so it might best be appreciated by sensitive kids who themselves have poetic souls. Sections in italics recount Teddy's life with Sylvan and the writing sessions Sylvan had with his students, including some simple poems that add meaning to the story. There's not a lot of text, but what's there is filled with gems and polished detail. For instance, "The students who want to be poets are eager and fresh, like washed apples." Before he passed, Sylvan taught Teddy the meaning of the word "poignant," and sensitive young readers will find this book to be an excellent example.

Book Details

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