Book Description

Reviews (289)

The Call of the Wild is a wonderful novel despite some of th
I found that The Call of the Wild by Jack London is a very odd but unique classic liked and disliked by many. Personally I found the beginning drab and it did not seize my interests. Around the time when Francois and Perrault bought Buck is when the action started to rise and grasp my attention. The overall plot of this story was found unlikeable but I really liked the theme that was expressed. "And not only did he learn by experience, but instincts long dead became alive again." (London p.14) In this passage London symbolizes the digression from civility and the progression into the primitive by displaying how Buck's ancestorial behavior was awakened when he adapted to a new environment. There were many passages I enjoyed because they were filled with description. This quote is a wonderful example of descriptive writing: "Something wriggled under his feet. He sprang back, bristling and snarling, fearful of the unseen and unknkown...a whiff of warm air ascended to his nostrils..." (London p.11) I found the dogs' personalities were believable however, London lacked realism in the people- especially Mercedes, Hal, and Charles. I have come to the conclusion that The Call of the Wild is a wonderful novel despite some of the weak points. I would recommend this to anyone.

Call of the Wild - an Exciting Book
The exciting book, "Call of the Wild" by Jack London, is a call worth answering. This book is about a loveable dog named Buck who has to learn suddenly to defend himself in the wild. The different characters will undeniably delight you for hours. Buck has an interesting life and you will surely want to find out about it.

From the beginning, the narrator starts the story with Buck's happy life in California. Unfortunately, Buck the Husky is stolen and taken to Alaska, where he is sold! As a result of his change, he has to gain the respect from other dogs and becomes happy again. Buck is sold to many masters and has as unusual a life as a dog has ever had. Lives that you will have to read about in this fascinating book.

Truly, Mr. London has captured the essence of the hard and unusual life of the wild. The characters are all different; therefore; this book is for everyone. For instance, Buck the dog is loyal and tough, but one of his masters is ignorant and weak. There are many places in this book, so everyone will learn something. The main places are California and Alaska, which are as different as night and day. All in all, this book will take you on a wonderful adventure.

To sum it all up, "The Call of the Wild" is one of the best known and loved books. In this book, we see the incredible challenges that Buck faces. This book tops some of Mr. London's other great books such as: "White Fang" and "The Star Rover". More importantly, this book will teach everyone that with perseverance and a little courage, you can do anything.

Call of wild
This is really one of the finest books on the market. The Call of the Wild is about Buck, a German Sheperd, who is dagnapped from his home when word comes of a Goldrush up in the Canadian wilderness. From then on, Buck experiences adventure, companionship, and tragic, tragic losses. This all, however, is character-building to Buck, and he becomes one of the best sled-dogs ever, except for the fact that this is fiction.

That is the overall premise of this book. In case you didn't know, this book was written in the early 1900's by the world-reknowned author, Jack London. Jack London wrote many other books based around canine-human interaction, but none were as masterfully done as this one. The whole adventure that Buck has in this book is both tragic and woderful at the same time.

One of the things that makes this book so wonderful is the way that it is written. The description, the emotion, all of the writing is done is such a great fahion to the point that that this book is amazing on a grand scale. In short, the writing is really good.

Another great thing about this book is that it deals mostly with what is going on in Buck's head, and dialogue is kept to a minimum. This book is just so great in ss many ways, that I am entitled to give it a five out of five stars.

Call of the Wild
The title of this book, "Call of the Wild," by Jack London, shows how Buck straddles between two worlds, one as a domestic dog with the ability to be loved and trained, and the other as a primordial beast constantly having the instinct to return to his primitive ways. His journey takes him from being a pampered household pet to running with the wolf pack and surviving in a savage environment. Along the way he learns to fear some humans, to survive among savage dogs, and to love a master.

No words to describe
In this spell binding, compelling, truly amazing book, London grabs you and never lets you go. It follows the story of Buck, and dog who is yanked out of his lazy life by a cruel gardener and forced to travel to the Yukon to aid men (and women) in search of gold. He experiences intolerable cruelty; he gets beaten and whipped almost to death, he is almost starved by a set of owners, and he learns the basic rule of thumb; kill or be killed. He often fights with the other lead dog until he finally knocks him off. It isn't until he is taken care of and showed what real love means by John Thornton that he finally warms up to humans again. But his love is cut short when a group of Yee-hats kill his entire team; Thornton, the other dogs of the team, and Thornton's friends. He then becomes full of rage; he spies the Yee-hats some distance away and knocks off almost the entire pack. He wanders around, not quite conscious of what has happened until a wolf pack come along...then he finally recieves "the call"; hence "The Call of the Wild"
This is one of the best books I have ever read, but also the saddest I've ever read. It had a huge impact on me; I wasn't quite sure of it until I almost burst into tears when talking about it. It hits you on a highly personal level...so if you are the type of person who gets affected by things easily, I would make sure you can handle it before you read it. But I guess that's what makes a great author; one that can touch you so deeply that you remember it for the rest of your life. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you
wake up
with a
wiggle?

Do you
wiggle
out of bed?

For energetic toddlers (are there any who aren't?), here's a book that invites them to wiggle along with the story. Told in rollicky, wiggly rhyme that begs to be read again and again, Doreen Cronin's latest romp will have toddlers wiggling, giggling, and then (hopefully) falling into bed, blissfully exhausted! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When George's mother tells her son to bark, he meows. She patiently explains that "Cats go meow. Dogs go arf. Now, bark, George." But he quacks! Then oinks. Then moos. Becoming less patient and more exasperated, George's mom takes him to the vet, who reaches deep down inside the errant pup, and, much to everyone's surprise, pulls out a cat! Then a duck, a pig, and finally a cow. George is cured, and barks at last! On the way home, his proud mother wants to show off her convincingly doglike son to everyone on the street. But when she says, "Bark, George," he simply says, "Hello." This is the simplest offering yet from Jules Feiffer--creator of the delightful picture books Meanwhile and I Lost My Bear. Still, his cartoonish drawings are intensely expressive, alive, and hilarious. None of it will be lost on the youngest of readers who will giggle every time George fails to bark, every time the vet extracts a new animal, and at the final punchline, too. In a world of often overdone or underdone picture books, this fine Feiffer creation is just right. (Click to see a sample spread. Copyright 1999 by Jules Feiffer. Permission by HarperCollins Publishers.) (Ages 2 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Funny story and cute illustrations
My 14 month old loves this book! He already understands the humor in it and laughs when George meows, moos, etc. There is even humor added in for the parents (the long latex glove). I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with a toddler or preschool-aged child...When we read this story, we replace the "goes"'s and the "went"'s with says and said. By the time my son is old to read for himself and catch on to what we're doing, he'll have outgrown this book.

Silly Dog!
I got this book for my son, who is 2 years old. He requests it eagerly, and enjoys saying "silly DOG" each time George belts out the wrong sound. This is the type of kids book that will have your child repeating with you, and adding things on his own interactively. It is a fun book with cute illustrations and punchline. As a mom who loves to read fun books, I recommend it for all parents with young kids.

Pretty Doggone Funny!
Kids will laugh hard at the drawings, especially of George's exasperated mother ! This is a classic and a keeper.

Simply WONDERFUL!!
I read a review of this book that intrigued me enough to buy it.... 6 years ago! I read it to my son when he was little and it quickly became his favorite. He would even tell people all about George the "goofy" dog. Eventually he moved on to other books over the years. Then, shortly after his baby sister arrived, I quietly watched unnoticed as he brought out the book and read it to her! He told me later that he had "shared" the book with his sister. He was so thrilled to be able to pass on the fun of the animal sounds. I would recommend this book to all parents! It will be a much loved book that your child won't soon forget!

Delightful
This is the story of a puppy that can't seem to bark - instead he makes other animal noises. His smart mother takes him to the vet who knows just how to correct the problem. This book makes for a quick read if you can stop giggling. The illustrations of the vet's expressions are very funny. The ending is a delightful surprise. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Widely respected for his stunningly astute observations of dogs (more specifically, of the majestic Weimaraner), William Wegman once again dazzles with Puppies. Here Wegman chronicles three generations of Weimaraners with his insightful commentary and exceptional photography. Wegman's love for his dogs is expressed in every photograph and in every line of his awe-filled text. Speaking about his second Weimaraner, Fay, the author says, "She looked like she had wandered out of a Rousseau painting. Those luminous yellow eyes."

Fay's radiance inspired Wegman to greater creative depths: he began dressing her up to appear almost human, a common theme in his photographs. Fay starred in many Wegman titles, including ABC and Cinderella. It is Fay's children, and later her grandchildren, who take the center stage in William Wegman's Puppies. Wegman's photographs are, as always, astonishing, capturing the beauty and individualism of each puppy. He labels his photographs with humorous bylines: a puppy sitting in a planter is labeled "Pup Pot." The exceptional physique of the Weimaraner becomes more pronounced as the puppies grow; at two weeks, the puppies are almost extraterrestrial in appearance, with large ears and wrinkled skins. But they are still exquisite, and the photos capture every expression and posture. Wegman has the utmost respect for his dogs, and his subjects are in turn fully content and relaxed in the presence of their photographer. Wegman has the ability to draw us exceptionally close to his dogs, and this wonderful collection captures the true spirit and beauty of the Weimaraner. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

William Wegman's Wonderful Weimeraners
William Wegman is one of America's most important photographers,and Puppies is a wonderful,dear,sweet,happy and tragic book,all at the same time. Wegman's reputation may be in photography,but this beautiful book of photos proves that he is a great storyteller as well. Not only is it a picture book,it is a touching storybook of the lives of his beloved dogs. Sometimes that love gives me the creeps,but of course,I have never lived with dogs. Cats,on the other hand... A great book,get it!

Very cute book, great for puppie lovers
I picked up this book the other day, and It is by far the cutest out of all the Wegman books. You always see the full grown dogs in his prints, but this book puts together the puppies. There is a touching/nice story to follow from page to page, that gives meaning on to why he chose dogs to photograph, and how much they mean to him. The photo's are very cute, and it is a simple book, nice for children. I love Wegman's work, and this one is just plain cute, a change from his fashion prints with all the costumes, this book just takes a look at the puppies, plain and simple. ^^
The only thing I wish, is that there was a bigger showcase of pictures.

A love story in pictures and words. Wonderful bedside book.
There isn't much to say about this loving photo essay except that the photos are wonderful and peaceful, and the prose engaging. I like to have the Wegman books near my bed for when I am wound up and unable to sleep. They are very calming and sweet. I always appreciate the deep respect and love Wegman displays toward his dogs, in both his prose and photographic work.

Cute stories, great pictures!
Wegman fans will truly enjoy this light reading, picture book. The puppies are adorable. Actually, I'm not even that much of a fan of his work but this book appeals.

Wegman Delights with His Puppies yet again...
One of the greatest pop culture references of the late 1900's has to be William Wegman's puppies. These images resound with character and delighted me (and I'm a cat lover!). ... Read more

Book Description

Whether by foot, boat, car, or unicycle, P. D. Eastman's lovable dogs

demonstrate the many ways one can travel. The new text emphasizes the concept

element of the original while maintaining its rhythm and charm.




... Read more

Reviews (34)

Abridged, but wonderful for babies
We have both versions of this book: the abridged board book, a favorite of my 20-month-old; and the original extended version, a favorite of my nearly 5-year-old, who can now read it all by himself. They both love it. The board book version, while abridged, is very, very well done. The words are rhythmic and catchy, and from a very early age my son and daughter have both run around the house yelling "Go, Dog, Go!" Toddlers generally lack the patience for the big version - the board book is a fantastic and accessible way to introduce them to the fun of words and language and such concepts as stop and go.

The First Book I Ever Read
Although my parents frequently tell me I was reading from cereal boxes and newpapers before this, the first time I vividly remember reading a book was sitting in my Aunt's lap and happily stammering through "Go Dog Go." The many colors of dogs and the way they got around intrigued me as a four year old and my (no pun intended) dog eared copy of P.D. Eastman's Suess-like rhymes stayed on my shelf for a long time after I'd grown out of this leavel of learning skill. Get it for your youngsters, it will make them happy to try and follow along.

Green Dogs, Red Dogs, "Do you like my hat?" - Vocabulary
This was one of my favorites as a child. It became a favorite of my daughter's as well. Now my son is hooked on it.

The book starts simply. "Dog" is the only word on the page. That sets up the theme.

We quickly are taken through comparisons and colors. Black, white, red, blue, yellow, green, in, out, up, down, big, small, stop, go, over and under. Add some simple numbers and the book gains real substance.

But then we have the two plots. First is the "Do you like my hat?" story that runs to the book's conclusion. The other is dogs on the go. They run around, go to sleep, wake up, drive away fast, and finally all congregate at the top of a tree.

Great Eastman illustrations and fun vocabulary will entertain most children

More dishonesty from Random House
Look at the cover of this Bright and Early Board Book...does it say "Abridged" or "Adapted"? NO, to discover that fact, one has to look carefully at the fine print on the inside of the cover. And even then, what Random House says is "Originally published in a different form as 'Go Dog Go'" instead of a more honest "Abridged and Adapted from 'Go Dog Go'". This is deceptive marketing at its absolute worst. If this were food for the stomach rather than food for the mind, the FDA would long ago have ordered Random House to cease and desist this sort of misleading behavior or face the consequences.

I am old enough to remember the difference between a book labeled "by P.D. Eastman" and a book labeled "by P.D. Eastman (Abridged)." There was a day when publishers felt compelled to be honest about their product, which allowed us consumers to easily make an informed choice about what we wanted to buy.

I for one still want that choice from publishers and urge any and all of you who care about books to not purchase this Random House Bright and Early Board Book, at least until they are a little more honest in their practices.

A great introduction to Dr Seuess
This is a great introduction to the wonderful world of Dr Seuss. It's short, it's fun and the premise is less reliant on a child's comprehension skills than many of the other Dr Seuss book. My son has loved this book since the age of 18 months, when the likes of "Cat in the Hat" were too long or confusing for him. It always makes me smile too! ... Read more

Book Description

While investigating a vicious murder on his ranch, Hank finds himself the number one suspect. Resigning in a fit of despair, he heads for the hills to become an outlaw--but it's not as easy as he imagined.

USA Today calls the hilarious Hank the Cowdog series "...the best family entertainment in years."

Hank is a scruffy, smart-alecky supersleuth with a nose for danger and an eye for the ladies. And as Head of Ranch Security on a West Texas ranch, he's usually up to his ears in all kinds of amusing trouble. Whether he's called upon to bark up the sun, investigate suspicious goings-on, or defend the ranch against marauders, Hank's hilarious, hair-raising adventures will delight readers young and old alike.

"Rip-roaring fun...[a] marvelous situation comedy." --School Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (22)

A confusing, absurd, and hilarious series.
This book is the first in the Hank the Cowdog Series. It introduces the characters well. Hank is very conceited and never admits to being wrong. It is always someone else's fault. But his conversations with Drover (his sidekick) are hilarious because of this.

This book doesn't have quite the absurdity which makes the later volumes so funny, but it has a better plot than some. Of course, Hank leaves the ranch, like in most of the books. And of course, he comes back.

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog
This book is so sweet it should of won the Newberry award for best book. Even though a third grader could read it I at age almost 18 still enjoyed the doggy dog days of Hank. The little words in the big print makes it easy and enjoyable to read. I think Hank speaks the truth about life and the bad things that are out there. Hank teaches kids not to do drugs and kill chickens. I believe that Hank the Cowdog is a great inspiration to us all. Also allowing younger readers to believe in themselves.

Laughter for the young and old
I read this book to my students (third and fourth graders) at the recommendation of a publisher/teacher friend. I had heard from other teacher friends that "kids love the cliffhangers at the end of every chapter" and that "this is the only book my students would sit still for." All that, true. What I hadn't expect was how much I would enjoy it as well. My husband is also hooked on the series and I've gotten one of the books for my sister-in-law who was a reluctant reader until Hank came along. I strongly recommend adding this book to your own library, your kids' library, and, if you are a fellow teacher, your school library.

Really fun book for kids
This is a nice and entertaining book for kids. I read it aloud to my 3rd grade daughter and together we laughed and had a great time. It is written from the first person (dog)adds much to the story. Hank (the cowdog) has attitude, faces evils, and learns much about himself and his role as "head of ranch security." Only one caution is needed, Hank the Cowdog does not use proper English (often using "them" in place of "those" which is a personal irritation of mine) and his spelling is sometimes poor, but these are done in a humorous way and add flavor to the story.

Hank the Cowdog
When I first got this book, before I read it, I was a bit apprehensive; A book written from a dog's perspective? Give me a break!. After I started it though I couldn't stop laughing, Hank is a bone-headed dog with an over-inflated ego, but the story isn't a bit tacky. Hank blunders around his ranch, barking at the mailman (you never know what those guys are up to), "investigating" murders (burp), and getting yelled at by Sally May. You'll love not only this book but the whole series. Let me warn you, you will become addicted to Hank the Cowdog; and the audio-tapes are even better. When is the last time you listen to a book on tape? Well, forget that, those were READ, Hank on tape is PERFORMED by the author. ... Read more

Book Description

Jack

Room 105 -- Miss Stretchberry

September 13

I don't want to
because boys
don't write poetry.

Girls do.

Reviews (83)

Love That Dog By Sharon Creech
Love That Dog By Sharon Creech

Love That Dog is an inspirational book for poetry lovers. I think Sharon Creech has and outstanding sense of imagination. Her book has inspired me to read and write poetry. I would recommend this book for people that have a great sense of wonder and poetry. This book is wonderful for three reasons. One, because it inspires you to read and write poetry. Two, because it has some very famous writers writing their poetry. And three, because it is an easy book to read. I would rate this book from 1-10, 10 being the best, a ten. This is a ten for 1 reason; it is a good book for people of ages 10+. Well that is my review of the book Love That Dog. I hope you enjoy the book!
Brittany G.

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Love That Dog is written in the form of diary entries that read like short poems. The story is about a boy named Jack who begins keeping a journal while his teacher teaches a unit on poetry. Jack doesn't think he likes poems, or that he himself is writing poetry, until he receives feedback from his teacher. He also discovers that he has been using his poetry journal to explore his feelings about his dog who died.

This is a quick and very moving book that can be read by kids who are ages 8 and up. Even grownups will like it!

In the back, the author includes a section of famous poems written by well-known poets. She herself has written many other books and even won a Newbery Award for her book, Walk Two Moons.

I love LOVE THAT DOG because it is sad and funny and you learn a lot about poetry.

Sharon Creech writes another great story
Yet another hit from Creech, whose award-winning "Walk Two Moons" I fell in love with earlier this year. This story, told in poetry form, is about a young boy whose teacher has him write poetry in his journal to express himself. As he learns to express himself through his writing, he begins to enjoy the famous poems his teacher shares with him and the class.

Beautifully written, a great book for younger readers and adults alike.

"Love That Dog" Has a Lot of Love to Give
I purchased this book a year and a half ago from a gift certificate I had gotten for my twelfth birthday. The only reason I bought it was because how much I loved all of the other books Ms. Creech has written. I wasn't too excited about a short book of poetry.

"Love That Dog" is a quick read (you can read it in one sitting.) It is a simple book narrated by a boy named Jack who's learning about poetry. Though reluctant at first to learn, he slowly begins to realize how much he enjoys writing in prose poem.

I was truly touched by this book. It made laugh, it made me cry, it made me think a little differently. Everyone in my family has now read it (or had it read to them), and they all have had the same reaction. It may say for ages 8-12, but it's the type of book everyone will enjoy.

Jack has a little bit of everyone in him, making his feelings easy to understand and laugh with and symphasize with. I was espeacially surprised--the street and house he described were exactly like my old one, I also have an old yellow dog similar to his, and I have a little brother named Jack.

Buy this book. You'll be so glad you did.

Wonderful for all ages
I bought this book for my 10 year old son about 6 months ago. I just grabbed it tonight to read during a quick break and fell in love. At 90+ pages written in prose it's a quick and easy read and wonderfully entertaining. I think there's a little bit of Jack (the main character) in all of us, wondering if what we are is good enough not only to share with the world but to fess up to ownership of it. His teacher, through gentle guidance, teaches him to believe in himself. I think this book is appropriate for people of any age and I plan on getting it for my 20 something sister for her birthday next month! ... Read more

Book Description

The first book in the acclaimed easy-to-read series featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The beginning of a wonderful friendship!
As of this writing, there are some 20+ Henry & Mug books, each one a small masterpiece. However, this is the one that started it all!!

Everything great or small has it's beginning, and in the beginning of THIS book, which begins, in turn, the whole series, we meet our hero, Henry. Henry lives with mom and dad, but he really doesn't have any friends. No other children live on his block, he doesn't have any brothers or sisters. So, he asks for a dog. That dog is Mudge who swiftly goes from a teeny, handful-sized puppy to the 180-pound pooch we know and love through the rest of the series.

What makes H&M books so wonderful are the bright, simple illustrations that mirror the text and the easy realism of Mudge the dog. Unlike other fictional dogs, Mudge doesn't talk, walk about on his hind legs or save the universe: he is just a big, happy, loving pooch who, like dogs everywhere, is totally dedicated to his pal, Henry. He's like a real dog... a real BIG dog, but a real dog nonetheless. He falls asleep when he's bored, he follows Henry everywhere and is unhappy when Henry's not around, and occasionally he eats things he's not supposed to. Practically any child would love to have a companion like Mudge.

H&M are one of those rare types of books that easily fall between two categories: picture books and chapter books. They're well illustrated and the text is simple and easy to read, but the story is also divided up into chapters (usually three). This makes these books perfect for young readers who may feel that they are starting to move beyond picture books but may not be ready for full-blown chapter books with little or no illustrations. The stories are simple and comfortable and the stuff of everyday life, so a child doesn't need to have a great deal of worldly experience climbing mountains or leaping tall buildings in a single bound to see that reading can be fun.

If you start here with Henry & Mudge, by all means, don't stop here! Go on to enjoy all the other adventures that these two share! You and your children will never be disappointed!

great for the reluctant reader
My son was reluctant to read in his elementary school days. This series caught his attention and by the time he finished all the books in the series that we could find he was intrigued enough with reading to go on to other books. Now, he is a high school senior with stellar SAT scores. I'll give partial credit to Henry and Mudge!

Great book, great series!
I just wanted to say that I unexpectedly found myself homeschooling my 1st grade son for part of the year and I have no idea what I would have done without Henry and Mudge! The series has really gotten my son's reading off the ground. We have read every book in the series that we could get our hands on and we're looking forward to new ones being released. Every book in the series is well written, interesting and has just the right amount of humor without being outrageously silly. The Henry and Mudge series are my son's favorite books by far - they are great books for a beginning reader.

A book review by a 7 and 9 year old boy
I like this book because the pictures are amazing. It is a great book for all ages and easy to read.

I thought it was a good book for me and my brother because it wasn't too easy and it wasn't too hard. It was about right, and the pictures were good.

THE FIRST BOOK OF MANY
My son, a kindergartener, was truly driven to read by Henry and Mudge and their fun, loving relationship. He now reads to his delighted 3 year old brother. Thank goodness the adventures continue in so many wonderful books. Don't stop here! Puddle Trouble, Green Time, Yellow Moon, Sparkle Days, Long Weekend, Starry Night......all simple, pleasant stories. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Harry was a white dog with black spots who liked everything, exceptgetting a bath." Taking matters into his own paws, he buries his family'sscrubbing brush in the backyard and runs away from home before they can wranglehim into the tub. Harry gets dirty playing in the street, dirtier at therailroad, and dirtier still playing tag with the other dogs. When sliding downthe coal chute, he actually changes from a white dog with black spots to a blackdog with white spots! Of course, by the time he gets home he is completelyunrecognizable to his family--even when he does all his clever flip-floppingtricks. In a stroke of doggy genius, he unearths the bath brush, begs for abath, and the rest is history. Youngsters will completely relate to the urge torebel, the thrill of getting dirty, and, finally, the reassurance of family.Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham's Harry the Dirty Dog, first publishedin 1956 and now rereleased with splashes of color added by the artist herself,is one of those picture books that children never forget. (Ages 3 to 8)--Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Harry the dirty dog is a classic kid's story
I remember reading this book when I was in school and I always enjoyed it.

Harry takes off from his family, and gets so dirty they don't recognize him. He has a fun time around town, but when he realizes his family does not know him, he needs to have a bath to prove that he is their dog.

This is a cute story, which my 7 year old loves to read over and over. A five star read for kids of any age.

To wash him is to know him
The book I read was Harry the Dirty Dog. I like this book because of the illustrations. The dog in the story is cute. I also like the plot of the story. The dog doesn't like to have baths. He runs away and gets dirty. He is so dirty his family does not recognize him. Finally he begs for a bath and gets one. His family realizes it is him.

Adventure and Drama
Harry runs away to avoid a bath, sending the reading along for a journey through all the dirtiest (and most fun) places in the nearby city streets. Of course all adventurers eventually have to come home. Here the story does a wonderful parody/reversal on the recognition scene in the Odyssey, where it is Harry who can't be recognized for his "disguise" of a black sooty coat with white spots. Eventually though the power of the dreaded bath, he's finally revealed and reunited with his family.

In the bawth, in the bawth
A trip back in time to 1956. Let it never be said that fantastic female illustrators are a new phenomenon. Margaret Bloy Graham's attention to detail and delightful characters back in the day resulted in this lovely tale of a filthy dog. Perusing the pages of 'Harry the Dirty Dog', the reader is drawn into a delightful story that encompasses all times and all places. It is a story that has stood up well over the years.

Harry is a white dog with black spots who is NOT fond of baths. After hiding his scrub brush and hi-tailing it away from his home, Harry becomes so terribly dirty that he resembles a black dog with white spots. When his own family doesn't recognize him, Harry must take drastic measures to make his way back into the family's heart.

Harry's an adorable little mutt. The book isn't making any intentional social commentary, but I did love the variety of places Harry got into. Look, he's playing near the construction workers! Look, he's down at the railroad! Look, he's sliding down a coal shoot! It's nice to see jobs in a kids book that aren't all posh upper middle class desk occupations. Admittedly, sometimes the book's published date is obvious. Where, after all, are all the black people? Any minority at all? This is a world full of white white whites. Still, how much do you hold a book accountable for such things when it is thoroughly lacking in any other problems?

Harry's family members look like nothing so much as early prototypes of Harry Bliss (the New Yorker cartoonist), by the way. Those big black Orphan Annie eyes. Altogether, this is a good book for any adult that wants to remember a time tinged in nostalgia. Kids will feel for Harry, just as they are relieved that he makes back home okay in the end. Any child that loves doggies will adore this book. It may even serve those adults that want a story that applauds the virtues of keeping clean. A fine piece of work.

A Terrific Story!!!
This is a very simple, but powerful little tale, with the dog taking the part of the teacher. The dog hides the bathtub brush because he doesn't want a bath and then he runs away from home. Then he goes on an adventure and gets dirty and even dirtier as the tale goes. Then he comes to his senses and returns home, only to have the family not recognize him, until...he finds the brush he hid and then it all turns out alright. The artwork is pretty basic and wonderful and it communicates the story so well. A very well done book. Kudos to the writer and illustrator!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Something is happening--black Lab Sally can feel it in the air. When she sees the suitcase, she knows it for sure--she and her human companion (who appears only as an arm or pair of feet now and then) are going on vacation! Soon they're off to an island in the ocean. Along the way, Sally sees birds, boats, lots of other dogs, and even a whale. At the beach, Sally explores and plays. "The air smells great, just like cat food!"

This simple tale of a holiday adventure is perfect for any child planning--or reminiscing about--a trip to the shore. Stephen Huneck's text is a quiet tribute to the magic of a sunny day in the sand and surf. But the indisputable wonder of this book is the artwork. Internationally known artist Huneck created every woodcut print by hand, drawing the design in crayon, then carving one block of wood for each color in the appropriate shape. The result is a stunning collection of brightly colored woodcut prints showing spry Sally diving in the ocean, riding boats, and digging holes in the sand. As in his clever My Dog's Brain, Huneck modeled Sally after his very own Labrador retriever, also named Sally. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (7)

It's a Dog's Life
We see things from Sally's perspective- the story told with humor and wonderful pictures. My 3 year old granddaughter and I hope Sally goes to a lot more places- the beach, mountains and farm could be just the start.

A great read!
I thought this book would be fun for my son since we have a black lab, but I underestimated how much I would enjoy it too! The illustrations are incredible and the text is witty and really seems to show life from a dog's point of view! Highly recommend particularly if you have or like dogs!

Not just for lab owners...
This book is great for anyone who loves to take their dog with them. It gives you insight into what your dog is thinking while you're packing for vacation, lounging on the beach, etc. Once again, beautiful illustrations.

Lovable Labs
I purchased this book for my toddler after learning about Stephen Huneck and his art work. It's adorable! This is now my daughter's favorite book. Especially, since we happen to have a black Labrador who looks like "Sally" and acts like "Sally." This book is illustrated very simply with bright colors and simple text that make it a quick read. Overall, a great story about a cute black Lab that goes on a trip to the beach.

Wicked funny.
This guy thinks like a dog. A fun ride on the ferry and a perfect summer day. What more could a black lab want? ... Read more

Book Description

My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them...

But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

An educational tool for the coping skills dealing with loss
This has been one of my favorite books, for myself, my friends, and for use in my work with children. The story is simple, touching, and gives a beautifully positive way to cope with any loss--remembering the good things. The story specifically deals with the death of a young boy's cat and the funeral that follows, as well as the concept of the circle of life. The mother in the story asks her son to think of ten good things about the cat. This task helps him remember the things he liked about his cat and takes his mind off the pain he feels. The concept of concentrating on good memories about someone who is gone is excellent, and an easy way to begin the healing process and encourage a child to talk about his feelings. I've even used the idea when I've had to separate from the children I've worked with. I tell them the ten good things I will remember about them. Outstanding book--timeless!!

A Book About Death from the Point of View of a Little Boy
The little boy who is the narrator of this book has just had his pet cat Barney die. He can only think of nine good things about Barney, until the day after the funeral, when he spends the day in the garden with his father. The plot is extremely simple and spare, but the book depicts grief very well, and so we understand just how broken-hearted the little boy is, and how much he loved his cat. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is an excellent springboard for families of every religious persuasion (including agnostics and atheists) to discuss what they feel happens after we die. My bright, perceptive and sensitive four-year-old has been asking a lot of questions lately -- about birth and death -- and I used this book to explain death to him. The book was extremely powerful for him, and helped him to put into words many questions that he had, and helped me to answer them for him as best I could. The writing is excellent, and perfectly captures the voice of a young boy, and the illustrations are elegant. It's a classic book, and belongs in every library.

You don't wanna know the 10th good thing
I finally read this book after years and years of hearing it hyped as the perfect book to help a child deal with the loss of a pet, so I expected a lot.

It's not a bad book. I've always liked Judith Viorst's wry voice that seems to capture children's unsure moments so perfectly, and "...Barney" has a lot of that.

The particular details of the story are even good -- I love that the boy's mother wraps Barney in a piece of cloth before they bury him. I love that the boy's best friend attends the funeral to hear him recite the nine best things about Barney. I love the little argument they have after the funeral, about whether Barney is really in heaven, or if he's just in the ground.

But the book takes a jarring twist when the boy decides what the 10th good thing about Barney is. The 10th good thing is basically that Barney is dead and rotting. OK, OK -- dead and rotting and therefore helping flowers to grow. Life will come from his death, and yes, that is the message.

But really. Basically the 10th good thing about Barney is that he's dead and rotting. I'm a fairly morbid person, very interested in the process of death and decomposition, but I think the ending of this story is too morbid to present to young children at the end of this otherwise sweet, sentimental story. It doesn't seem to fit.

Nothing good to say about the 10th good thing....
I work in a school library and as a cat lover am always seeking out the cat books. This one caught my eye and I was expecting something wonderful. I found the story to be hopeless and defeating. How sad the only comfort the father has to offer is composting tips and the last memory the child has to hold is that of a decomposing cat. I'm no censor, but two thumbs way down. Also, if you are looking for something wonderful for pet loss, try Cynthia Rylant's, Cat Heaven!

Simple and sensitive, for all ages
Beautifully simple and sensitive portrayel. Could be a comfort for all ages. Keep it in your library to read and reread. Similar to BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY, which is also a tale for all ages about dealing with the pain of pet loss and grief. ... Read more

Book Description

Rosie's Family is a story about belonging in a family regardless of differences.Rosie is a beagle who was adopted by schnauzers.She feels different from the rest of her family and sets forth many questions that children who were adopted may have. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great adoption introduction book for preschoolers
As the nanny to two wonderful adopted children I have searched far & wide for books that introduce the subject of adoption to them appropriately. This book has been well received by both children (2.5 & 7 years old). They both routinely request it at bedtime & it has inspired many open conversations on how they came to be a part of their family.

Wonderful and Insightful
I read this book to my class, and received a tremendous response from my 4th grade students. The book illustrates easy-to-understand principles of adoption, and highlights how it is important to tolerate the differences among each of us.

Rosie's Family: An Adoption Story
I am so happy this book was written! I have a 5 year old daughter and I was having a hard time finding a book about adoption which she could relate to. My daughter loved the book and colourful drawings of the animals. The text was easy for my daughter to understand. After reading the book my daughter and I had an open discussion about adoption and the "notes for parents" at the end of the book helped me tremendously. My daughter now has a better understanding about adoption and feels comfortable talking about it. This book should be part of every childs library!

Rosie's Family: An Adoption Story
Rosie's family is a wonderful, creative adoption story for kids. I think this story contains amazing art work that every kid would love. It definitely helped me to understand adoption better!!

Rosie's Family; An Adoption Story
I really like this book because it encouraged me to ask my parents questions about my adoption. I had some of the same worries that Rosie had, which made me realize that a lot of kids probably do too. I love the drawings and that the characters are dogs! ... Read more

Book Description

First published in 1903, The Call of the Wild is regarded as Jack London's masterpiece. Based on London's experiences as a gold prospector in the Canadian wilderness and his ideas about nature and the struggle for existence, The Call of the Wild is a tale about unbreakable spirit and the fight for survival in the frozen Alaskan Klondike. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

An absolute delight for all ages!
I first read the "Call of the Wild" as a child, in fact it was the first book I read only because my fourth grade teacher gave us the task of giving a book report. I thank that teacher now for what I thought at the time was dreaded homework.
Other reviewers have given you the basic story line but more importantly is the value this book gives. For me it actually sent me in a career direction.
It's a masterpiece, not only telling the story of Buck the dog and his personal call to the wild but as people and the decisions, which confront us all. The young read will enjoy the story and the adult reader will see how the story line may parallel their own life. You will not regret this purchase! ENJOY!

Survival of wild instinct.
This is the story of a dog that lived the rich life and was then suddenly jerked out of it into the harsh real world where he learns to survive on instincts given to him by his primordial ancestors. Buck, which is the name of the dog, learns not only to survive in the wilderness but also to thrive and to be top dog. Never before has he actually felt a bond with a human being until a man by the name of Thornton rescues him from a foolish death. Buck is torn between the feeling of returning to his natural state in the wild and his loyalty to Thornton. Although he loves this man, he continues to hear the call of wolves, which are his own call of the wild.

In this book London brings out a 3rd person point of view where we can see the feelings and thoughts of both the dogs and the men. He almost makes Buck seem human by having him deal with internal conflicts. I believe that many people can relate to Buck's story of dealing with the real world and having to depend on themselves to survive. It would be a great book for anyone who loves the out doors and who wants to read an adventure novel. It's an easy read because it constantly keeps the reader's attention by not using difficult and confusing language. This story may be short but all of it's content is used on the whole point of the story.

Call of The Wild
"Call of The wild" is a great novel by Jack London. Buck kidnapped from is home in California is thrown in to a harsh life of dangerous ways of living in the Klondike gold rush that is going on. Buck is half st.Bernard, half shepherd. He is taught to obey his owner by the "guy in the red sweater"he has to learn to survive on his own; not to trust any one. this is a great adventure story and a lesson of life!

Call of the Wild
Call of the Wild is an awesome book. As I read it got more addictive and exciting. During the most exciting parts my heart would start pounding. As I kept reading to the end it started getting really emotional, so I stopped reading for a few days. After I got to the end I decided that it was such a good book and I should read it again.

Call of the wild is about a dog named Buck that is a half breed (part St. Bernard part Shepherd). He lived in California with Judge Miller. Then, one day a person stole Buck and sold him so he could get money to support his family. So then Buck was sent to the Northland and very exciting things happen to him.

Age: 14

Can you hear the call
"Call of the Wild" is a novel about a mixed breed farm dog dubbed Buck that traveled from his farm to the chilly klondike mountains through many challenges. Whether it be fighting wild dogs, fighting famine, carrying a sled through the tundra, or fighting the ways of men, Buck survived it all. So read on to find out how. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

SO cute!
We bought this book with "That's Not My Tractor" by the same author to entertain our two-year-old on a trip. We have all enjoyed the darling illustrations and fun textures. It is one of those books that we read most frequently and that his friends pull out during play time. We plan on collecting more of this series for sure!

Best Baby Books!
We bought "that's not my dinosaur" in french while in europe last spring. Our son was only5 months old and immidiately squealed with delight and still does. It is his all time favourite book. I got online now to order another>

Thomas LOVES this book
My son Thomas (now 21 months) took to this book at 12 months and it is still is favorite. Very durable. He used to pet, and now he loves to show me the mouse on each page. I'm buying other Usborne books for an upcoming plane ride! He also has one in Spanish that he likes as much.

Great touch and feel book!
My niece loved this book, so we bought it for our daughter who we expect to arrive in just a few weeks! I think I like it even more because our little dog looks just like the one at the end! So I'm biased - I still think it's the best! :-)

Touchy Feely's Number One with Our Little Guy
All the Touchy-Feely Books have wonderful textures (soft, rough, shiny and more) that draw babies and toddlers into the story. They take delight in touching the textures, looking at the vibrant pictures and listening to your voice as you read the story.

These books are of exceptional quality - take it from the parents of young Malcolm. Malcolm chews on these board books, sucks on them and even turns his own pages. His books look like new! These are durable board books with thick and resilient pages. ... Read more

Book Description

A moving middle-grade novel about a girl's struggle to save the life of a

starving junkyard dog comes to Knopf Paperbacks.In a starred review,

Publishers Weekly said, "Tamar produces a tough-edged but tender story.

...Besides conveying a strong message about neglectful pet owners, she deftly

introduces a range of issues affecting her heroine...the happy ending to her

story is one sure to satisfy readers."




... Read more

Reviews (17)

The Junkyard Dog
"The Junkyard Dog" is a book about a girl named Katie who lives with her mom and some guy that she really hated. His name was Jim Grady. One day Katie had seen a group of bays who were throwing rocks at something gaurded with a gate. Katie went to check what they were throwing rocks at. It was a dog that Katie thought was so cute. She felt so sorry for him. He must have been miserable, he had never eat, she could tell by the way he looked. His owner was a cruel man named Mr. Farrow. Katie thought that she could start feding him, and named him "Lucky." She checked to see if it was okay to feed him all of the time. So Mr. Farrow accepted it. After a while the weather was so bad. Lucky was freezing to death! So Katie asked for permission to build a doghouse for him. Mr.Farrow thought that was funny. Though he let her. Jim Grdy showed her how to build the doghouse, while he was teaching her, Katie started to like him as a father. When the dog house done, Lucky was warm, comfortable, and happy with having Katie to take care of him.

The Really Great Book
Hi, my name is Jerrica. I just read a really great book. Do you want to know what it is. Okay I'll tell you. It is called The Junkyard Dog. If you like books that are emotional or kind of funny you would like to read this book. It is about a young girl who found a dog that was being mistreated. The dog lives in a junkyard. The dog is a skinny brown dog. Katie the girl that found the dog is taking care of him. She wants to take him home, but she can't because dogs aren't allowed in the projects where she lives. Her mom and stepdad say she can feed and take care of him, but only with her own money. And if she gets permission from the mean old junkman.It is hard enough asking the junkman if she can take care of his dog. But a brutally cold winter sets in. There's no time to lose. She named the dog Lucky. Lucky will not servive the winter without a shelter. Katie is the only one who can save him from dieing. I am not going to tell the whole story. That's all I am going to tell you. Bye Bye.

Do You Need a Book?
Read the book The Junk Yard Dog because it is exciting , scary, and sad. The book was exciting because Katie is going to build a dog house for the junk yard dog, Lucky. One part of the book that was scary was when Katie was talking to Mr. Farrow, the junk yard man, about making a dog house for Lucky. She was scared because he was grumpy. One part of the book that is a sad is when Katie has to leave Lucky and move to Huntville . you would want to read this book because it is exciting,, scary, and sad

the junkyard dog
One day Katie walked down the street she saw a skinny brown dog whimpering behind the junkyard fence. All she could think about is saving him. Lucky doesn't belong to her, and even if he did, she couldn't bring him home. Dogs aren't allowed in the projects where she lives. Her mom and stepdad say she can feed him, but only if he uses her own money, and if she gets permission from the cruel old junkyard man. All this is hard enough. When a brutally cold winter sets in theres no time to lose. Lucky wont survive without some kind of shelter. Katie's the only one who can save him.

The Junkyard Dog
..."The Junkyard Dog" is a book about a girl named Katie who lives with her mom and some guy that she really hated. His name was Jim Grady. One day Katie had seen a group of bays who were throwing rocks at something guarded with a gate. Katie went to check what they were throwing rocks at. It was a dog that Katie thought was so cute. She felt so sorry for him. He must have been miserable, he had never eaten, and she could tell by the way he looked. His owner was a cruel man named Mr. Farrow. Katie thought that she could start feeding him, and named him "Lucky." She checked to see if it was okay to feed him all of the time. So Mr. Farrow accepted it. After a while the weather was so bad. Lucky was freezing to death! So Katie asked for permission to build a doghouse for him. Mr.Farrow thought that was funny. Though he let her. Jim Grady showed her how to build the doghouse, while he was teaching her, Katie started to like him as a father. When the dog house done, Lucky was warm, comfortable, and happy with having Katie to take care of him.

What I like about the book is how Katie takes care of Lucky, and how she took effort to build a house for a dog that she loved. She even talked to a man who she was really afraid of. "Do you think I can build a dog house?" Katie asked this to Mr. Farrow. It was accepted.

What I didn't like about the book is when they decided that they will move. It was the exciting part, but it never even happed in the book. "I can have Lucky?" Katie was going to have the dog when they would move, but they didn't explain the part when they moved.

My favorite part in this book is when Katie talks to a guy who had a crush on her. His name was Daniel. He wanted to help her with the house building. Though Katie didn't know that he like her in the book. ... Read more

Book Description

MARTY WILL DO ANYTHING TO SAVE SHILOH

When Marty Preston comes across a young beagle in the hills behind his home, it's love at first sight -- and also big trouble. It turns out the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belongs to Judd Travers, who drinks too much and has a gun -- and abuses his dogs. So when Shiloh runs away from Judd to Marty, Marty just has to hide him and protect him from Judd. But Marty's secret becomes too big for him to keep to himself, and it exposes his entire family to Judd's anger. How far will Marty have to go to make Shiloh his? ... Read more

Reviews (176)

Shiloh
Shiloh, what a magnificent book. It has many thrills, mystery, tragedy, and fun parts too. I have to say I would give it fout gigantic stars. The book is about a boy who loves animals. He has a mom, dad, and two sisters. One sunny day, the boy, Marty, was shooting his rifle around the forest. He finds a dog on a bridge. Read the book to find out what he names it. The dog follow him home. They find out the beagle belonged to a mean awful man named Judd Travers. He uses his dogs for hunting. The dog would run away from him. Read the book to find out why. The dog comes back, and Marty keeps him for awhile. Do his parents find out he's hiding Shiloh. Does Marty get to keep Shiloh? Please read the book to find out.

by Matt M.

The bond between a boy and a dog
"Shiloh," the novel by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, received the 1992 Newbery Medal "for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." While the book is certainly ideal for younger readers, don't be misled by either the award or the publisher's marketing approach: this moving, well-written book is good for adults, too.

"Shiloh" takes place in rural West Virginia. It tells the story of Marty, an 11-year old boy who seeks to shelter an abused beagle from his hard-hearted owner. Reynolds lets Marty tell his story in the first person, and her excellent prose captures the rhythms of rural West Virginia speech (and I say this because I spend a lot of time there with my extended family). Reynolds had me hooked with her opening sentence: "The day Shiloh come, we're having us a big Sunday dinner." Reynold's skill at rendering American vernacular speech evokes, in my mind, favorable comparisons to such authors as Zora Neale Hurston and Alice Walker.

"Shiloh" is rich with the details of life in that region: the food, the hunting, and social customs. Reynolds creates a wonderful portrait of a poor but loving family. But the heart of the book is the way she captures the special bond between a boy and his dog.

"Shiloh" is an "issue" book in the sense that it deals with animal cruelty, but Reynolds wisely tells a realistic story without overtly preaching at the reader. But the book still raises very relevant issues. Marty's moral dilemma is not presented as an easy "black-and-white" situation. Shiloh's owner, Judd, is not a cardboard villain. Marty's ethical and theological inner struggle is comparable to that of the title character in Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Like Huck, Marty is a compelling hero: courageous, loyal, and thoughtful.

In short, "Shiloh" is a contemporary classic, a book with true moral and psychological resonance. Naylor's portrayal of the enduring ties between a child and a beloved animal is comparable to such enduring works as John Steinbeck's "The Red Pony." This moving book deserves a wide audience.

shiloh
Shiloh was a great book. It was about a dog who lived with this evil man. There wa a kid who saw the dog and he wanted It. One day what thekid does is thinking about the dog. The next day the dog followed him so he took the dog home. The owner of the dog found out that is dog was missing so he went looking for his dog. Then he finds his dog. The kid tells the owner if he could have the dog. The owner made a deal with the kid that if he works for him for a month he will give him the dog. Af ter work he gets the dog. In the middle of the book there is this one part where the dog gets attacked by another dog that is probably best part in the book. If I was to rate this book out of ten I would give a ten
By
JJ

A boy who went crazy about a dog
Shiloh is a very interesting book. It is the first book in the Shiloh series. The book is based on a kid called Marty who finds a beagle and names it Shiloh. After one of his neighbors, Judd, comes looking for the dog because it's his. Marty will do anything to to keep the dog, but sometimes he goes too far. In my opinion this book is full of suspense and love. I would recommend this book to anyone that can read because it's good for all ages. I would give this book a four star rating.

Shiloh review for Miss O.
I thought this was a very good book. Most people would enjoy the story. It was entertaining and heartbreaking. The best part of the book was the end. It kept you in suspense. If you want to read a good book this summer, read Shiloh. You won't be sorry. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (16)

One of the finest children books ever!
I don't know why this book didn't get more attention. If I had to choose one children's book as my favorite, this may well be it. And it's never failed me when I've read it for children either - each time, a hush comes over the room.

What's interesting to me about this book, it's one of the few children's books that don't have any 'children' characters. Basically, it's the story about a lonely woman finding a dog, but, like all great books, there's all kinds of other things put in on top of that - old age, death, the memory of good friends and the lesson that you have to be willing to risk and lose in order to love and be happy.

Cynthia Rylant has written a very special book here and I urge you to get this book. You will not be disappointed.