Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
The unfathomable expanse of devotion between a child and their beloved pet is explored in Always by Alison McGhee, with adorable illustrations by Pascal Lemaitre. In this book, we meet a girl, and her tiny dog, who vows to keep the castle (their small home) safe, by taming wild squirrels, preventing closet avalanches, and vanquishing evil of all kind. If you have a protective family pet, your child is sure to relate to Always. When the tiny dog in this story proclaims, in all seriousness, to “protect the blanket,” it certainly reminded me of my dog, who insists on sleeping in the bed every night!
Dogs
Stanza
Submitted by Amanda from Lexington Park!
Stanza byJill Esbaum. Stanza is a book written in rhyme about a dog that is a bully by day but who, in the middle of the night, snakes off and writes poetry. Stanza is afraid that his talent will be discovered by his brothers, as well as his victims, and they will see it as a weakness, so he keeps it a secret from everyone. But then one day he sees an ad for a competition to write a jingle for Snappers Treats. Stanza stays up all night writing a jingle, and then the next morning he turns it in. Stanza dreams of winning first prize and buying lots of chicken pot pies. Stanza is so nervous that he checks everyday to see if he won …will he win or lose? And either way what will his brothers say when they discover his softer side? This is a very cleverly written book that will engaged readers with its words and illustrations.
The Doghouse
Submitted by Carol from Charlotte Hall!
The Doghouse is written by Jan Thomas. This book is a very simple story about a cow, mouse, duck, and pig. The illustrations are also very simple but so effective and crucial to telling the story. The animals are happy playing ball, until their ball suddenly rolls into “THE DOGHOUSE.” The doghouse is a very scary place. No one wants to go in to retrieve the ball. What will they do? Well, they decide Cow should go in first because, after all, he is BIG and BRAVE and STRONG. Cow goes in and never comes out. Who will go next? And will any of them come out? Read The Doghouse to find out!
Korgi: Volume 1
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
Korgi is a delight of worldless graphic novel for children, brought to us by former Disney animator Christian Slade. In it, we are introduced to a colorful cast of characters–all sorts of magical specimens–awaiting us in Korgi Hollow. There’s the mollies, small woodland folk, like Ivy, our diminuative heroine, and the Korgis (which uncoincidentally resemble our Pembroke Welsh Corgis), like Sprout, Ivy’s constant companion. One day Sprout chases a winged insect out of the Hollow and Ivy of course follows. They’re happy to explore the unfamiliar territory until they’re abducted by a gang of decidedly unpleasant creatures. How will this seemingly normal girl and her dog escape? Well it turns out Ivy and Sprout has a few tricks hidden up they’re sleeves… The best part: this book is just the beginning of more adventures to come!
Uno: Blue Ribbon Beagle
Submitted by county youth coordinator Janis!
Uno: Blue Ribbon Beagle by Stephanie Spinner. I found this book when I was looking for some early readers and immediately fell in love with Uno. Uno is a little 15 inch beagle that won the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in February 2008. This wonderful non-fiction book tells all about Uno’s life, training, and his family. With adorable pictures it is a must read for anyone who loves dogs or wants to learn more about showing their dog.
Once I Ate a Pie
Once I Ate A Pie by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, and illustrated by Katy Schneider, is perfect for anyone who has wondered what their beloved canine companion would have to say if they could talk. I am curious, when I see my dog sleep for about 20 of the 24 hours in a day, what reason she has to be so exhausted. Well MacLachlan and Charest give the accounts of 13 dogs, told in their own words. There’s Mr. Beefy, who steals tubs of butter off the dinner table, Darla, who does not like other dogs, Wupsi, who is told how cute she is so often it might as well be her name, Louis who BARKS at everything, and my personal favorite Lucy, who sleeps on a pillow in between her owners (just like my dog).