Archie Book Review

Archie by Domenica  More Gordon tells the tale of a dog fashionista.  One day, Archie receives a sewing machine from his Great Aunt Betty.  He seems perplexed by the gift but becomes inspired when he looks at his own pet dog.

With a few snips of the scissors and some carefully placed stitches, Archie has made a coat for his pet.  While out on a walk together, he is approached by a female dog wanting a dress for her pet.  The pair become the talk of the town.

Archie's phone begins ringing off the hook.  Everyone wants to wear his designs.  Will Archie be able to keep up with all of the demands?

I thought this was a fun read.  The story is nearly wordless and focuses on Gordon's whimsical illustrations.  Children will love the cast of colorful canine characters.

I do struggle with the fact that the story doesn't seem to have a plot.  The main character doesn't appear to face any obstacles.  I am also greatly confused at the idea of a dog owning a dog as a pet.  This made me wonder why some dogs get to obtain their freedom and walk around on two legs while others are forced to be a pet on all fours.  I thought this to be the greatest disconnect with the book.

Overall, this is a fun read for children ages 3-6.

Friends Book Review

Friends by Michael Foreman follows the adventures of a feral cat and his fish friend named Bubble.  The cat has the freedom to wander the city.  He can come and go as he pleases.  His friend, Bubble, doesn't have the same luxury.

Instead, Bubble is stuck in his small tank.  He spends his days swimming in circles and sighing.  One day, the cat gets an idea.  He knows exactly how to help his friend.  Now Bubble must choose between his freedom and the only friend he has ever known.

I absolutely love this book!  While the text is sparse, the story definitely packs a punch.  My heart ached for the cat and Bubble.  They have a unique friendship that gets tested in a big way.

Foreman's illustrations are big, bold, and full of heart.  I love the vibrant color palette in addition to his placement of the main characters who always remain at the center of each picture.  Children will fall in love with the wide-eyed cat and multi-colored Bubble.

This is a fantastic read for children ages 4-8 and for anyone who needs a reminder of what true friendship means.

Snow Dog's Journey Book Review

Snow Dog's Journey by Loretta Krupinski follows the winter time adventures of siblings Anna and Olen.  The pair love to play in the snow.  Anna decides to build a snow dog instead of a snow man.

The children fall in love with their snowy creation.  They even provide a scarf and hat to keep him warm.  Later that night, the Frost King, bringer of all snow, flew overhead.  Spying the cool canine, he stopped and decided to make the pooch his companion.

Snow Dog can't believe that he has come to life!  The Frost King happily scoops him up and flies back to his icy palace.  Snow Dog cares greatly for the King, but deeply misses Anna and Olen.  He must now make the ultimate decision:  live forever with the King or risk melting away to be with the children he loves.

I thought this was a fantastic read.  The story is a mixture of Frosty the Snowman meets Pinocchio.  Krupinski has created in-depth characters that are full of heart.  The idea of a Frost King bringing the winter snow is truly magical.  Children will love the sense of fantasy that this story evokes.

Krupinski's illustrations are stunning.  Most of the scenes take place at night.  She does a magnificent job of balancing the dark background with cool blue tones to create winter pictures that will make readers want to snuggle up with a blanket a mug of cocoa.

This is a wonderful book for animal lovers of all ages.

Stanley's Little Sister Book Review

In Stanley's Little Sister by Linda Bailey, Stanley has a problem.  His once perfect home has been invaded by a new, furry stranger.  That's right, Stanley's parents have done the unthinkable.  They adopted a cat!

While furious, Stanley knows that he must be nice to his new sibling.  He greets her with a friendly sniff...and she promptly whacks his nose with her paw.  Stanley cannot believe what the cat has done! 

Letting out a series of barks, Stanley begins chasing the cat around the room.  His parents are not pleased.  The next day, he decides that he will win the cantankerous cat over by licking her.  This gesture of friendliness is also rejected.  Will Stanley ever find a way to befriend the furry feline?

I really enjoyed this book.  Bailey creates characters that are both realistic and hilarious.  Stanley is reminiscent of Doug from Disney's Up!  Being the owner of five rescue dogs and three cats, I can totally relate to the relationship between Stanley and the cat.  New pet introductions are always an adventure.

Bill Slavin's illustrations are larger than life and full of heart.  The images truly leap off of the page.
Children will delight in the hilarious and heartwarming scenes that fill the book.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 3-7.  Looking at the topic of relationships through the eyes of a dog and cat really makes the often tough subject attainable and fun to read.  I think this book would also make a wonderful gift for children who are in the process of adopting a new pet.

Widget & The Puppy Book Review

Widget is back in an all new adventure in Widget & The Puppy by Lyn Rossiter McFarland.  While  relaxing with Mrs. Diggs and the girls, a puppy wanders in through the cat door.  Mrs. Diggs puts Widget in charge of watching the puppy while she attempts to locate the owner.

Reluctantly, Widget takes on his new role.  The puppy starts getting into everything!  From eating the girls' food to drooling on everyone's beds, this pup proves to be a challenge. 

Widget is run ragged by this mystery guest.  He accidentally falls asleep and loses track of the puppy.  Will he be able to find the precocious pup before Mrs. Diggs returns?

I really liked this story.  Widget's character is lovable as well as funny.  McFarland does a wonderful job of describing the actions of a puppy.  I felt tired right along with Widget.

Jim McFarland's illustrations are vibrant and fun.  Children will delight in his depictions of animals at play, especially the puppy!  The expressions on the cats' faces are hilarious.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 3-6.  I think that this book would also be a great gift for those who are considering adopting a puppy.

Sofa Dog Book Review

Sofa Dog by Leonie Lord follows one dog on his epic quest to reclaim his sofa.  Sofa Dog loves spending time on his sofa with his human Sophie.  They are soon interrupted by the neighbor's cats who also want to share the sofa. 

Sofa Dog makes room for the two cats and Sophie.  Then the doorbell rings and Sophie's three aunts have come to stay.  The sofa is getting more and more crowded.  Will there still be enough room for Sofa Dog?

I love this book!  I fell in love with Sofa Dog the moment I saw the cover.  Being the owner of five rescued dogs, I can totally relate to Sofa Dog's situation.  This usually happens with my lap.  Each dog believes that my lap is his/her property.  Somehow, my lap always seems to have room for one more.

Lord's illustrations are whimsical and fun.  I love the intricate detail of the flea.  Children will love the colorful cast of characters that seek the comfort of the sofa.  They will also cheer Sofa Dog on as he attempts to regain his favorite spot.

This is a great read for children ages 4-8.

Teddy the Dog: (Almost) Best in Show Book Review

Teddy is back in a brand new adventure!  In Teddy the Dog:  (Almost) Best in Show, Teddy decides to compete in the Strut Your Mutt Dog Show.  He knows he has the style, class, and charisma to bring home the gold.

The sassy pooch keeps his head held high as he prances on the red carpet upon arrival.  Teddy easily makes friends with his fellow competitors.  But he soon finds out that being a show dog is much harder than it looks.  Does he stand a chance against these seasoned veterans?

I love this book!  Teddy's character is truly larger than life.  His sense of humor is spot on and had me laughing with every page turn.  Teddy's personality definitely reminds me of my own dogs.

Jonathan Sneider's illustrations are fantastic.  Bursting with vibrant colors and a memorable cast of canine characters, children are sure to delight in every page.  I love how Sneider shows Teddy's emotions with his eyebrows since his eyes are covered by his signature shades.

This is a hilarious read for children ages 4-8 and for anyone who has a dog with an attitude like Teddy's.

Ball Book Review

In Mary Sullivan's debut book, Ball, the reader is introduced to a portly pooch who loves his red ball.  Even more than his ball, he loves playing fetch with his little girl.  She happily throws the toy as she gets ready for school.

When she heads out to the bus, the poor pup seeks out other friends to play with.  Mom is too busy getting zen.  The baby is terrified of the large, red orb.  And the cat wants no part of that!  Will the playful canine ever find a ball-loving companion?

I love this book!  I am a huge Mary Sullivan fan.  I love how her stories read more like comic books and graphic novels.  The fast-paced story had me eagerly turning the pages.

Sullivan's illustrations are adorable and heartbreaking at the same time.  My eyes welled with tears at seeing the dog's sadness without his favorite playmate.  Children will fall in love with the energetic canine and cheer him on in his quest.

This is a wonderful read for children ages preschool and up.  I think this book would also make a fantastic gift for the animal lover in your life.

My Dog Spot Book Review

My Dog Spot by Jack and Norma Levin introduces the reader to a young boy's dog named Spot.  He has a black ring around his left eye along with large pointy ears and a very long tail.  Spot is definitely unique.

This caring canine wears his heart on his fur.  He uses his tail to show his emotions.  Spot also loves to talk and talk....  There's so much to love about Spot!

I thought this was a fun read.  The descriptions of Spot are easily attainable for young children.  The story definitely brought back childhood memories of my first dog, Spots.  A beautiful Border Collie, he was my best friend for numerous years before losing his battle with lymphoma.

I also love Jack Levin's gorgeous illustrations.  They are large and often take up the entire page.  I find that this works very well with the minimal text.  I really like the illustrations where Spot's body spreads across both pages.  The medium used reminds me of crayon drawings that I used to do as a child.  I think that children will be drawn to the simply, yet striking images.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 4-8. 

Tiny and the Big Dig Book Review

Tiny and the Big Dig by Sherri Duskey Rinker follows one small pup on his quest for a bone.  Tiny knows that a BIG bone is hiding beneath the dirt.  All he has to do to claim his prize is dig.

While digging, Tiny attracts a crowd.  A bluebird, cat, and fellow dog all agree that Tiny will never be able to uncover the bone.  He is just too small to do something so big.  Will Tiny be able to prove them wrong?

I love this book!  The story is told in rhyme and flows beautifully throughout.  My favorite lines involve Tiny's mantras about how strong he is.  Children and adults alike will be able to relate to Tiny in his quest to overcome the preconceived notions of others.

Being the owner of several differently-abled animals, I know exactly what Tiny is going through.  Our dog, Hope, was born without eyes and is completely deaf.  Everyone thinks that she needs extra help, however, she continues to do amazing things without any assistance from us.  Dogs are very adaptive and determined.  Nothing gets in their way!

Matt Myers' illustrations are big, bold and fun.  The watercolor and ink combination really pops off of the page.  Tiny is adorable and will steal the hearts of everyone he meets.  Myers makes fantastic use of white space to enhance his amazing artwork.  The double page spread illustration is one of my favorites. 

This is a wonderful read for children ages  3-5.

Can I Be Your Dog? Book Review

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings follows a stray dog, Arfy, on his search for a forever home.  Arfy is tired of living in the soggy cardboard box in the dark alleyway.  He dreams of a cozy house with a loving human.

Arfy begins sending letters to the residents of Butternut Street.  He just knows that someone will want him as their pet.  But when the rejection letters start piling up, Arfy begins to feel that he will always be a stray.  Could his fears be true?

This is one of my new favorite children's books!  I love that the story is epistolary (told through letters).  The reader really gets inside Arfy's mind and knows his true emotions.  The letters are also hilarious!

Being the owner of five rescued dogs and three cats, this story definitely tugged on my heartstrings.  I'm not going to lie, I was in tears by the end of the book.  This story will absolutely resonate with animal rescuers and lovers alike.

This story goes way beyond the typical "adopt a pet" theme.  Children get a glimpse at how stray dogs live.  Through the rejection letters, they will also learn how many stray/street dogs are treated.  This book is a wonderful teaching tool in lessons about kindness towards animals and humans alike.

Cummings' illustrations are big, bold, and adorable.  Arfy stole my heart!  Arfy's facial expressions made me laugh and cry.  I also love how each rejection letter is distinctly unique and remains true to the mystery characters behind them.

I love Arfy's letter to the reader on the last page!  Included are tips on how to help homeless animals.  With nods to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Humane Society, this book truly has it all.

This is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  I could definitely see this book used in humane education curriculum in shelters and rescue organizations across the country.

I Got a New Friend Book Review

I Got a New Friend by Karl Newsom Edwards tells the tale of a little girl who has just been given a puppy.  At first, the puppy is shy and scared.  The pint-sized pooch is afraid of her new surroundings.

The little girl is not about to give up on her new friend.  Being patient, she allows the dog time to get to know her.  Will the girl's persistence pay off?  Can the pouting pup learn to trust humans?

This is a fantastic book for children who have just adopted a pet.  The story presents helpful tips on how a child can help care for the new addition.  I love that even though the little girl is telling the story, she appears to be speaking from the dog's point of view.  She knows exactly what the pup needs in order to feel safe and loved.

Edwards' illustrations are adorable.  Children will fall in love with the puppy from page one.  I really like Edwards' use of white space, especially for background imaging.  The main characters truly shine and take center stage.  The use of a limited color palate is refreshing and keeps the story flowing at a great pace.

I would highly recommend this book to parents of young children who are considering adopting a pet.  I would love to see this book incorporated in animal shelter and rescue groups across the country.  The story would tie-in wonderfully with any humane education program.

Princess Allee Book Review

Princess Allee is the first installment in the Furever Home Friends series by Savy Leiser.  Allee dreams of being a princess.  She wants to live in a big castle and wear a sparkly crown.  There's only one problem.  Allee lives in an animal shelter.

One day, a woman named Stacy comes to visit Allee.  They both knew it was a perfect match at first sight.  Allee can't wait to go live in her castle!

The precocious pup soon discovers that Stacy's house is not a castle at all.  It's just a normal house with two other dogs, Sammy and Buddy.  This is definitely NOT what Allee had pictured.  Will she ever be happy with her new home?

I love this story!  I couldn't stop laughing from start to finish.  Allee has so much class and sass.  Her character reminds me of Naughty Mabel.  I could totally see them going out for tea together.

Leiser does a beautiful job of depicting shelter life from the dog's perspective.  Children will fall in love with Allee and will be able to relate to her dreams of a princess lifestyle.

Brenda Clemente's illustrations are gorgeous.  Allee's character is simply breathtaking.  I found Sammy's character to be beyond adorable.  He reminds me of my grandma's chocolate Chihuahua, Tiggy.  Children will be drawn to the colorful cast of canine characters.

This is a wonderful book for dogs lovers of all ages. 

Smile, Chewie! Book Review

Smile, Chewie! is the second installment in the Furever Home Friends series written by Savy Leiser.  Chewie is having a difficult time adjusting to life in the shelter.  He had gotten used to living as a stray.  Except when he was injured after begging for food from the wrong human.

Now Chewie bares the scars from that horrible night.  He shies away from potential adopters.  Chewie knows that no one will want to adopt a pit bull.  Will he ever be able to find a forever home?

I really enjoyed this book.  Being the owner of five rescue dogs and three cats, this story really tugs at my heartstrings.  I love how Leiser tackles the controversial issue of pit bulls and the stigma that surrounds them.  I think that children will have a better understanding of the breed after reading Chewie's story.

Christy Schneyman's illustrations are adorable and heartwarming.  The images have a hand-drawn feel and her use of light and pastel colors is truly stunning.

This is a wonderful story for dog lovers of all ages and would make a great gift for those working in animal rescue.

Treat Book Review

Mary Sullivan is back with more fun stories about dogs in her second book: Treat. The reader is introduced to an adorable Frenchie who longs for a treat. First, he tries scamming cereal from his youngest caretaker. Then he begs for hot dogs from the older sister. Grandma and Grandpa prove to be no help in the treat giving department either.

Even the baby is unwilling to help the poor pooch out. Will this friendly Frenchie ever get the treat that he longs for?

I am a huge fan of Mary Sullivan's work! I absolutely adored this book. To me, it read more like a comic book or graphic novel. I think this will definitely hold a young reader's attention.

Her cast of canine characters remind me of my own pack of rescued dogs. The facial expressions she uses are simply hilarious. From the perk of the ears to the wag of the tail, I was laughing at Frenchie through out the story.

This is a wonderful book for readers of all ages. Children will delight in the bright and fun illustrations and will root for the pudgy pooch on his quest for the illusive treat.