Submitted by Ms. Allana!
The Blue House Dog by Deborah Blumenthal is the touching story of Cody and Blue. Blue starts off being known as “Bones,” just a neighborhood stray dog who isn’t special at all. Cody knows otherwise. He knows the aching that is inside of the stray dog’s heart because he lost someone he loved. Cody lost someone too, and this emotional bond opens up a chance for a new start for each of them. This book is beautifully written, with colorful detailed illustrations by Adam Gustavson, and it will tug at the heart strings from start to finish. If a child has had experiences already with dogs in their life, they will grasp some of the emotion of the story. If they are younger, and have not yet experienced the joy of having a pet dog, this is a great introduction. See this book listed in our catalog
Dogs
That Pup!
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
That Pup! by Lindsay Barrett George is a great story about an adorable golden retriever having a good time digging in the yard. She smells an acorn and decides to dig for more acorns in various places around the yard. This lovable pup finds 10 acorns in all. The puppy happens to see a squirrel that is very sad. The squirrel wants to know why the pup has dug up all of the acorns that she buried for the winter. The pup immediately decides they can play a new game called “Put Back the Acorns.” The next page shows the puppy and the squirrel returning the acorns to their original spots. This is a perfect book for toddlers! See this book listed in our catalog
Because
Submitted by Ms. Tammy!
Because by Richard Torrey is an adorable picture book about a little boy who’s mother says “because” is not a real answer to a question. Each page displays a picture of the little boy, and his faithful dog, in the middle of some sort of mess they have made. Above each of the pictures is his reasoning, starting with “because,” followed by why he has made the mess. His big, smiling face makes it difficult to be upset with him for the messes he has made. Each page is illustrated in bright colors, full of detail, making it very clear what he was attempting to do when he causes all of the trouble. See this book listed in our catalog
Rrralph
Submitted by Ms. Allana!
Rrralph by Lois Ehlert. Typically bright and flashy, this Lois Ehlert book featuring Ralph, the talking dog, is highly entertaining. Just as an excitable dog would move, you move through the book rapidly, finding out what Ralph is going to “say” next! The lovable pet is also very curiously and craftily put together! Part of the fun with reading this book to younger children will be having them construct their very own “Rrralph” as part of an after reading project. This would be so much fun, as is the book! See this book listed in our catalog
Ten Little Puppies/Diez perritos
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
Ten Little Puppies/Diez perritos by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy and Ulises Wensell. This is one of the famous counting rhymes in Spanish folklore. Ten puppies start the story, and they decrease one by one with each turn of the page. One vanishes in the snow, at the fireworks, in a new home, and other places, until only one puppy stays with the little girl. The realistic images capture the spontaneous, playful, and affectionate nature of the puppies. The text can be sung or spoken in Spanish or English. The English translation is well done, and maintains the story’s authenticity while accurately reflecting the original poem. In the back of the book there is music for the song, and also guitar chords. The large illustrations will make this a favorite for story times, as well as an excellent source in helping children to develop pre-reading skills. It also introduces children to early math concepts such as addition and subtraction. See this book listed in our catalog
A Ball for Daisy
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
A Ball for Daisy by Christopher Raschka. Daisy is a puppy who loves her ball. She loves playing with it, and when one day her owner takes her to the park, Daisy brings her ball. A much bigger dog and Daisy are playing with the ball and the ball pops! Daisy is heartbroken. The illustrations indicate Daisy is very sad. This is all about Daisy, since we only see her owner’s face at the very end. It’s a feel-good ending when Daisy goes back to the park only to meet up with the same dog and her owner. The good news is that they have brought a new ball to play with, and Daisy gets to take it home! This book teaches a good lesson about taking care of other people’s toys. See this book listed in our catalog