Written and Illustrated John Himmelman

Review
When Sara Ann brings home three little kittens, Katie the dog's enthusiasm frightens the kittens away and Sara Ann mistakenly thinks Katie doesn't like them. Will Katie get to be the kittens' friend?

The pictures of Katie and the kittens are adorable and help to portray the feelings of Katie as she tries to figure out how to be a friend. I liked this book more with each reading.

Keri Crane, James E. Moss Elementary Library Media Assistant

 

Written and Illustrated by Laura McGee Kvasnosky

A little girl gets into some trouble with an imaginary friend that is a dog.  

Written by Kate Banks, Illustrated by Tomek Bogacki

Review
I liked the story line in the book, however the illustrations are more sketches than pictures. To hold a child's attention the pictures could be brighter. I like having a summary in the beginning of the book, easy to choose a topic.  

Written by Sarah Hayes, Illustrated by Hannah Broadway

Review
This book is about a dog who takes over as teacher for the day. The kids learn barking, wagging, scratching, shaking, sniffing, etc. all day. Fun surprise picture on the last page.

Sounds cute, right? Depends on your personality, I think. I don't know that I'll be spending time reading it to our classes as many of our students don't need much encouragement to get out of control, and this book will definitely contribute to crazy kids. Examples: "They all sniff. What's that smell? It smells like poo. It's Riff's lunch.". . . . or. . . . "Riff and Ellie lift their legs" . . . . or. . . . "they all wag their bottoms." The rest is pretty tame, personally I found it a little lame, but it might be fun for a "get up and stretch activity." Illustrations are very cute.  

Written by Alison McGhee, Illustrated by Drazen Kozjan

Review
The story is about a young girl who is afraid of finishing a book she is reading because she doesn't think it will have a happy ending. It tells how she deals with this and the other things that frighten her. It took me a long time to finish this book because I found I didn't enjoy reading it. It seems to jump from idea to idea. The illustrations were well done though!  

Written and Illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark

Review
Melrose decides to give Croc a lovely surprise for his birthday, but things do not go as planned. In fact, Melrose ends up being rescued at sea by Croc after a storm comes up. If you are looking for a nice "feel good" type book on friendship, this might fit the bill. I found it to be about average. The paper it is printed on is not wonderful. It has a slight yellow tint. The illustrations are engaging, but might not be large enough if you tried reading it to a whole class. In Utah where students are not often exposed to the sea, would they relate to the story? I'll try it and see.  

Written and Illustrated by Jack and Michael Foreman

This book is about a little dog who is very lonely. He sees other animals and people together, but he is alone. As he is wandering around he notices a group of children playing basketball. He is able to play with the children. The story then focuses on a young boy who feels left out and lonely. He sees the children playing basketball. The children and the dog notice him and they all step back and the dog takes the ball over to the boy and invites him to join the fun. At the end of the book the boy, the dog, and all the children become friends. The book says that all that needs to happen to be a friend is to say Hello.  The pictures are very simple, but really get the message across. This is a great book on friendship.  

Written by Amy Hest, Illustrated by Amy Bates

A small dog with crooked ears belongs to no one. He wanted a friend.
A little girl named Lia has no friends.
The dog tries to became friends to Lia, by helping her deliver the bread and cakes from her parents' bakery.
When a big storm comes up while Lia is out delivering the bread and cakes, she and the dog get soaked to the bone.
Both are taken in with warm towels and warm arms and became friends.  

Written by Judy Sullivan Rake

Easy reader both in Spanish and English about the breed and care of pugs. Nice photographs. Good level 1 AR.

Margo France, Morningside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2
Bilingual -- English/Spanish

Pugs
Capstone Press
24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-42962-386-5
Release Date: July 2008





 

Written by Laura Purdie Salas

Cute poems about pets and different types of animals. I thought the best poems were "Slobbery," "Come In Come In," and "Say Yes!"

Stephanie Meier, Valley Crest Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

A Fuzzy-Fast Blur: Poems About Pets
Capstone Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-42961-704-8
Release Date: July 2008

 

Written by Elizabeth Bluemle, Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf

What's a family to do when the bed is overrun by dogs? A cute picture book about a family that has a lot of dogs who think they are just another family member. If you have owned a dog you will appreciate the humor of what these canine friends can do to cause a restless night for their owners. The story is told in rhyme and has colorful illustrations.

Review by Debbie Singer, Bacchus Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Dogs on the Bed
Candlewick Press
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2608-2
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Mari Schuh

This is a wonderful informational book on the subject of German Shepherds, for the younger reader to enjoy. Written in an easy and simple text, with color photographs. A brief introduction to the physical characteristics of the breed, with histories presented along with descriptions of the roles these dogs fulfill as both pets and working animals in other public services.

Book is complete with a glossary and index.  Older readers may learn more about German Shepherd's on the web at www.factsurfer.com.

Students K-3 and even older will enjoy this book, bound in a reinforced binding that should stand up to heavy use.

Review by Bonnie Prime, Taylorsville Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

German Shepherds (Dog Breeds)
Scholastic Children's Press
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-531-21603-3
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Mari Schuh

This book talks about poodles. It has fun pictures that show different kinds of poodles.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Valley Crest Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Poodles
Bellwether Media / Scholastic
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0531216064
Release Date: September 2008



 

Written by Chris Lynch

Cyberia is a fun to read science fiction novel. Zane lives with his Mom (a TV news reporter) and Dad (a famous radio personality) in the future. The house is completely wired so that Zane is constantly being monitored. His parents always know where he is and even if he ate all of his dinner. Sometimes they receive too much information. Zane's dog talks him (yes, he can hear the dog) into helping the animals escape from the evil veterinarian. This is a cute story with a lot of adventure and wonderful things to think about.

Review by Irene Taylor, Vista Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Cyberia
Scholastic
158 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-02793-9
Release Date: September 2008



 

Written by Brekka Hervey Larrew

A great introductory book for children about this designer dog, the Labradoodle. With clear, informative and easy to read text and many colorful and complimentary photographs, children will learn all the necessary facts about these dogs. There are also definitions for highlighted words on many pages that can also be found in the glossary in the back of the book. If children want additional information, safe internet sites are also found in the back. This book is part of a series from Capstone's Edge Books, All About Dogs.
If interesting, colorful, easy to read books about dogs are what you are looking for, I highly recommend this book.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-9
Labradoodles
Capstone Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-42962-009-3
Release Date: July 2008  

Written by Tammy Gagne

Did you know the chihuahua could be the oldest dog breed on the continent? This and other interesting facts can be found in the book Chihuahua, from Capstone's Edge Books. I really liked the readable, informative text and the many colorful photographs that add to the written words. Highlighted vocabulary words, also included in the glossary, help readers with words unfamiliar to them. There are safe internet sites and an index in the back.

If you ever thought of owning a Chihuahua, all you need to know is found in this highly recommended book.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-9

Chihuahuas
Capstone Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-42961-947-9
Release Date: July 2008  

Written by James Howe, Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Friends Houndsley and Catina learn to enjoy a day of quiet activities while it snows all day long. Catina does not enjoy being snowed in and is anxious about the concert they are to have that evening. Houndsley assures her it will be all right and to enjoy the quiet the snow brings.

Review Debbie Springer, Bacchus Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time
Candlewick Press
42 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3384-4
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Ingrid Lee

Dog Lost is a tale of two lost souls: a 10-year-old boy named Mackenzie, and Cash, a pit bull Mackenzie's father brings to him after winning a card game. Mackenzie and Cash grow to take care of each other until Mackenzie's father loses his temper and turns Cash loose. Their town has growing political opposition to owning pit bulls as pets, and the story follows many twists and turns as this amazing dog proves her worth. Cash brings several people together who need each other, and she is ultimately reunited with Mackenzie (and his older half-brother) to form their own unique family.

This story was sparsely told, and it is the terseness of the description that helps paint the bleakness of Mackenzie's life. He desperately needs that dog, and it was heartbreaking to read about his father taking Cash away. As an adult reader/teacher, it was a reminder that so many of the children I may come in contact with come from less than perfect situations. I felt the author powerfully described the characters through carefully worded observations of their actions.
 
However, some students readers might take offense to some of the language and the dramatic elements might be a little too intense. I am not sure that I would use this as a read-aloud-- it would depend upon the group of students. But, I do think that there are interesting questions of ethics in how people and animals should be treated that could lead to writing assignments and class discussions with a very mature group of upper elementary students.

Curriculum Ties: 6th Grade Writing -- The town debate concerning whether pit bulls should be allowed as pets could be a great springboard for a persuasive writing assignment. Interestingly, this book is based on a true story.

Review by Yamira Hart, 6th Grade Teacher, Bennion Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Mature 5th-6th Grade

Dog Lost
Chicken House / Scholastic
197 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-08578-6
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Elizabeth Bluemle, Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf

A simple, rhyming book about the challenges of having lots of dogs who want to be on your bed with you.  Dog lovers will probably relate.

Review by Susan Bush, Library Media Assistant, Magna Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Dogs on the Bed
Candlewick Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2608-2
Release Date: October 2008  

Written by Jennifer Richard Jacobson, Illustrated by Abby Carter

Andy and Dolores are best friends and do everything together until Lark Alice Bell moves in. Now Andy is doing all the things with Alice that he used to do with Dolores.  Andy learns that having a new friend is fun but also that he needs to think about his old friends. Andy is teased that he is love with Alice but Dolores soon finds out that it is not the new girl's initials but the breed of dog he wants.  At the end all three learn that they can all be friends with each other.

Review by Nancy Jenkins, Library Media Assistant, William Penn Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-2

Andy Shane Is Not in Love
Candlewick Press
58 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3212-0
Release Date: December 2008

 

Written by Lori Ries, Illustrated by Frank W. Dormer

Through the angst of training a puppy, there is a story to be told. I should send this book to my daughter who has a new puppy, and show her there is hope for training. Or maybe I should send it to my two other daughters who have new babies- lessons take time to learn.  The line drawings, while simple, add to the humor of the story. Children will be delighted with this story and relate to all the characters.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Pre-K and up

Good Dog, Aggie
Charlesbridge Publishing
48 pages
ISBN: 978-1-57091-645-8
Release Date: February 2009  

Written by Connie Colwell Miller

New title in the Perritos/Dogs series, which is a great nonfiction series for young readers. Allows both English and Spanish readers to enjoy the book. I would purchase the series.

Review by Kim Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 1-2
Bilingual: English/Spanish

Labradores/Labradors
Capstone Press
24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4296-3256-0
Release Date: January 2009  

Written Jill Kalz, Illustrated by Benton Mahan

Tuckerbean, a furry white dog, is told to stay inside while his friend/owner goes to a music lesson. Tuckerbean goes to the movies instead. This is a fun leveled reader with bright, eye catching illustrations. All lower grades will enjoy it. There's at least one more Tuckerbean book available and I'd like to purchase it.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Pre-K - Grade 3

Tuckerbean at the Movies
Picture Window / Capstone
24 pages
ISBN: Tuckerbean at the Movies
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Anne Ylvisaker

Harold (Little Klein) is the fourth son in his family. His three older brothers are robust boys, full of energy and mischief. Little Klein is on the small side, a fact with which his mother has a hard time. She babies him, which contributes to his frail state. He desperately wants a dog and his mother finally gives in (much to his father's dismay). This new event allows Little Klein to experience a whole new world of adventure and drama. This is a sweet story about a family that loves one another, wants the best for each other and how they go about helping one another.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Little Klein
Candlewick Press
186 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4338-6
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Philippa Pearce, Illustrated by Helen Craig

The illustrations are soft pen and ink type drawings. Some of them are in soft pastels. They are reminiscent of earlier styles and really quite lovely. My question is: will today's student's enjoy them? I had the same question re: the story. It's style and language are from an earlier time, somewhat akin to Little Women. I enjoyed the story, but since our students seldom pick up Little Women or The Five Little Peppers, how will they respond to this one? At the same time, I kept thinking, wouldn't it be nice if the things we've lost came back so easily?

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 4+

A Finder's Magic
Candlewick Press
121 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4072-9
Release Date: March 2009
 

Written and Illustrated by Hans Wilhelm

Noodles is visited by Auntie Judy, who loves to give dogs kisses. Noodles does not like kisses and decides that bath time is better than a dreaded kiss. Great beginning reader book with a lovable dog.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-1

No Kisses, Please!
Scholastic
27 pages
ISBN: 978-545-09891-5
Release Date: January 2009


 

Written by Stephanie Spinner

Follow Uno, a friendly beagle,as he grows from a pup to a famous dog show champion. Vivid photographs and an interesting storyline give this book a thumbs up.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Uno: Blue-Ribbon Beagle
Grosset and Dunlap / Penguin
48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45073-5
Release Date: July 2008


 

Written by Natalie Lunis

Did you know that dachshund means "badger dog" because they were bred to hunt badgers. This is just one of the fun facts in this book about these long dogs. The photos are bright and interesting.  The text is arranged in an eye appealing format (some of the text is within the shapes of dog tags).

Review by Kay Thomas, Library Media Assistant, Eastwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Dachshund: The Hot Dogger
Bearport Publishing
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59716-744-4
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Tammy Gagne

The characteristics and history of the Great Dane dog breed are discussed, as well as how to care for this very large pet. The pictures are wonderful and any dog lover is sure to want to check this out. This book is from the series "All About Dogs." If your library needs more dog books, I highly recommend this set.

Review by Keri Crane, Librarian, Moss Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-9

Great Danes
Capstone Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4296-2301-8
Release Date: January 2009
 

Written by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery, Illustrated by Jean Cassels

This is a very touching story about a dog and a cat (both with no tails) that were abandoned during Hurricane Katrina. When they are finally rescued it was determined that the cat was blind and depended upon the dog for protection and guidance. This is a true story.

Review by Margo France, Library Media Assistant, Morningside Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: All Grades

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival
Walker & Co.
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-9754-4
Release Date: August 2008  

Written by Marbara Mitchelhill, Illustrated by Tony Ross

This book is part of a series, Damian Drooth, Supersleuth. It is a humorous mystery about a group of friends who consider themselves to be detectives ready to solve any mystery, lead by Damian Drooth. It is easy to read with sketches throughout. In the back there is a glossary and discussion questions, writing prompts, and Internet links. I really liked the format and cute plot. A great beginning chapter book.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Library Media Assistant, Robert Frost Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 1-4

The Mystery of the Missing Mutts (Damian Drooth, Supersleuth)
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
67 pages
ISBN: 978-1-43421-216-0
Release Date: January 2009  

Written by Leslie Margolis

Thanks to her mom and mom's boyfriend, Annabelle has moved from her friends, city, and home to a new city. To help her feel better her Mom buys her a puppy, which she resents. However, when she starts to train the dog, she tries similar techniques with the Jr. High boys. Amazingly, it works.

Review by Lori Draney, Library Media Assistant, David Gourley Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Boys Are Dogs
Bloomsbury
195 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59990-221-0
Release Date: September 2008




 

Written by Tor Seidler, Illustrated by Brock Cole

Gulliver is a very spoiled Lhasa Apso living in New York City with his wealthy master. When his master decides to get married and his fiancee is allergic to dogs, the doorman at their fancy apartment building offers to take Gulliver. The rest of the book is about Gulliver’s adventures as he tries to find his way home, and the realization of where home really is. I thought this book was sweet, and it also had adventure so it will appeal to students.

Review by Vala'dee Tanner, Library Media Assistant, Rosecrest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Gully's Travels
Kids Can Press
175 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-02506-5
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by M. D. Usher, Illustrated by Michael Chesworth

This book was cool. I like how the dog took control over his independence and chose freedom.  Diogenes wasn't like every other dog who liked to play dead and play fetch and bury bones. He wanted to be his own master and do as he pleased.  He takes off to the city of Athens, Greece. It's amazing how he changed the way other people lived their lives. He wasn't afraid to do what he wanted.

Diogenes was actually a real human being. A philosopher in Athens, Greece during the 4th century BC. Diogenes believed that people were too concerned with material possessions and pleasure. He taught himself to overcome the desire for money and power and even prestige. Diogenes angered some and inspired many.

In conclusion, I would greatly suggest this book to many. Not only for the humor, but for the message the book sends out.

Reviewed by a Student, West Lake Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 2+

Diogenes
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
28 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-31785-0
Release Date: May 26, 2009  

Written by Linda Bailey, Illustrated by Bill Slavin

Stanley’s Beauty Contest is a story about a dog whose people enter him in the neighborhood dog show. The only problem is they forget to feed Stanley breakfast before they leave the house, and when the prizes are fresh-baked dog biscuits, you know trouble awaits. This is a cute story with great illustrations.

Review by Vala'dee Tanner, Library Media Assistant, Rosecrest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Stanley's Beauty Contest
Kids Can Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-318-3
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Lynn Johnston, Illustrated by Beth Cruikshank

Farley, an English Sheepdog, takes off after his bath when he smells hot dogs. When he gets lost, he comes to a little boy's rescue. The ending is predictable, but children will love the book, especially if they love food as much as Farley!

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Farley Follows His Nose
Bowen Press / HarperCollins
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-170234-1
Release Date: Apr 2009   

Written and Illustrated by Keiko Kasza

A bored dog, tired of his Mistress' tea parties and dressing up, has dreams of becoming a wild wolf. He runs away and discovers that life outside in the wild isn't quite what he expected. This is an endearing book with a happy ending. My story time kids would definitely applaud after listening to this one.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Librarian, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades K-6

The Dog Who Cried Wolf
Puffin / Penguin Group
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241305-0
Release Date: Feb 2009 (Reprint)  

Written by James Howe, Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Houndsley likes to row in his canoe. Catina likes to bike. With a little help from each other, they learn to enjoy each other's favorite past time. Chapter books have become very popular in our library. I'm always happy to have a good addition for our shelves! This one is simple, yet effective!

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Houndsley and Catina: Plink and Plunk
Candlewick Press
42 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3385-1
Release Date: Apr 2009


 

Written by John R. Erickson, Illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes

Drover, another dog on Hank's ranch, tells how he came to the ranch. Drover is the least motivated dog you will ever meet and it takes the author 2/3 of the book before he "cuts to the chase." This isn't as cute or engaging as the other books in this series. In fact, I'd skip this one. The Bat that befriends Drover is the best part of the story! I'm glad to have any new book, but I wouldn't buy this one.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Drover's Secret Life (Hank the Cowdog Series #53)
Viking / Penguin Group
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01118-6
Release Date: Mar 2009

 

Written by Kathryn Lasky, Illustrated by Mitch Vane

Three short stories about Hound and Poodle's friendship. In spite of their differences, the two friends learn they can work together. This short chapter book will be well received by students and teachers. Many class discussions are possible if teachers want to involve students in deeper reading levels and deeper meaning. I can recommend this if you need a new chapter book. 

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Poodle and Hound
Charlesbridge Publishing
48 pages
ISBN: 978-1-58089-322-0
Release Date: Jul 2009 
 

Written by Laurie Halse Anderson

Middle school is awful for animal loving Maggie, until she enters her science class and finds her teacher, Mr. Carlson, is blind and has a guide dog. Maggie has worked with animals all her life and she and her teacher find a way to help each other adjust to their changing lives. If you have animal loving students you will definitely want to put this book on your shelves! It shows a very positive relationship between a student and a teacher! How often do you see or hear of that these days?

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Teacher's Pet (Vet Volunteers Series #7)
Puffin / Penguin Group
135 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241252-7
Release Date: Apr 2009 
 

Written and Illustrated by Helen Cooper

Bridget gets hungry and eats a dog biscuit. Mrs. Blair tells her she will turn into a dog. All day Bridget sees signs that convince her that she really is turning into a dog. "Dog Biscuit" had a recipe for "human biscuits." The art was a little distracting but a fun, tender story all in all.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Librarian, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Dog Biscuit
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
29 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-31812-3
Release Date: Mar 2009
 

Written by Joy Behar, Illustrated by Dave Silaber, Colored by Gene Barretta

Max goes to doggie day care. He is sad and scared at first, but helps all the dogs learn to work together.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Library Media Assistant, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Sheetzucacapoopoo: Max Goes to the Dogs
Dutton / Penguin Group
28 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42081-1
Release Date: Mar 2009
 

Written by Margaret Muirhead, Illustrated by Lynee Avril

Mabel is the only kid on her street and has to find adults to do things with her. When all the adults are busy, she and her dog find a box and pretend they go into outer space.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Librarian, Valley Crest Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Mabel One and Only
Dial / Penguin Group
30 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3198-1
Release Date: April 2009
 

Written by Corinne Demas, Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

Every grade loved this book. Eveyone can associate with a pet of some kind. I had requests by students to read it again. It was great.

Review by Liz Goodwin, Library Media Assistant, Silver Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Always in Trouble
Scholastic Press
33 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-02453-2
Release Date: Jan 2009


 

Written by Steve Voake, Illustrated by Jessica Meserve

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Or if ants really think about things? Daisy Dawson is a wonderful girl that loves all living things. One day while walking to school she saves a butterfly from a spider's web, and then discovers that she can understand the animals and they can understand her. She has some great adventures, including saving an ant that got left behind and was lost. This is a wonderful easy chapter book that the younger readers will love. I did!

Review by Irene Taylor, Library Media Assistant, Vista Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Daisy Dawson Is on Her Way!
Candlewick Press
98 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4294-5
Release Date: Mar 2009



 

Written by Jenny Tripp, Illustrated by John Manders

Cute story about Pete, a poodle, and Rita, a chimp. Pete thinks he is the star of the circus, but Rita wants to be a star too. A terrible storms provides them an opportunity to run away. They disappear from the circus and have a wild adventure saving Baby and Quackers. Friendship is important to these animals.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-4

Pete's Disappearing Act
Harcourt Children's Books
168 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206177-7
Release Date: Jan 26, 2009


 

Written and Illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Dog and Bear return for Book 3 with three new stories. There's a bucket stuck on Bear's head in the first story. Dog finds out why he shouldn't jump on the bed in the second story.  The last story is about how confusing alphabetical systems can be. This is a fun book, although the separation between the stories could be made more clear with some formatting changes.

Review by Julie Johnsson, Library Media Assistant, Oakwood Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Dog and Bear: Three to Get Ready
Roaring Brook Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-396-0
Release Date: Sep 1, 2009


 

Written by John R. Erickson, Illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes

Hank is tricked by Pete the cat again. Enter two lost pelicans who even the score for Hank. While this is a cute story, it does ramble at times. It also has many misspelled words, since Hank isn't too bright. They are part of the story - but do you want your students exposed to many wrong spellings? If you have other Hank books, you may want to get this one.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

The Case of the Dinosaur Birds (Hand the Cowdog Series, #54)
Viking / Penguin Group
123 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01155-1
Release Date: Jun 11, 2009


 

Written by C. Warren, Illustrated by Pete Smith

This is a great easy chapter book. It is about two brothers who have just moved into a new home. The first night they are there, they hear strange noises. They go looking for clues the next day. They do find a buried bone in their yard. The next night they hear the noises and look out the window. They see a white dog tied to a post in the yard by the bone. THey go out and begin to chase the dog. He leads them down the street and they realize this dog is a ghost. The house he leads them to has a dog in the yard that is sick and very hungry. He has not been taken care of. They take the dog home and get him some help. They never see the ghost dog again. He was just there to help them find the other dog.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-8

The Ghost Dog
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
33 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59889-847-7
Release Date: Sep 1, 2007


 

Written by Mary Labatt, Illustrated by Jo Rioux

Sam is a canine detective who has a nose for sleuthing. He joins his human family in an adventure at Sawaga Lake. Is there really a monster in the lake? Sam and his friends uncover the mystery and have a lot of fun. This was a good graphic novel that portrays strong family principles along with the value of a great pet, Sam.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

Lake Monster Mix-Up (A Sam & Friends Mystery)
Kids Can Press
95 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55337-822-8
Release Date: Aug 1, 2009


 

Written by Kenneth Oppel, Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Max, the cook's dog, gets to feast on all the dishes the cook makes both before and after the new King refuses them. He then finds out the young new king is sneaking candy from the kitchen and Max ends up with fewer plates of food while the King learns to like the food, since he is now hungry for it. This would be a great book for a nutrition lesson. It's fun and full of humor with delightful illustrations. We can all relate to the story line.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades PreK-6

The King's Taster
HarperCollins
30 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-075372-6
Release Date: Jun 9, 2009


 

Written by David LaRochelle, Illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama

A quick, fun read that will have children thinking! The illustrations are vibrant and bring the story to life. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday a little guy asks his mom for a pet dog, the answer is always NO!  So . . . on Thursday he asks for a pet dragon! Finally, his mom tells him if he can find a pet dragon, he may keep it.  As you may know dragons are not easy to find.  To his surprise what does he find at the drugstore? He finds a sunglass-and-hat-wearing dragon. Oh, his mother did not know what she was getting into.  Will he ever get his pet dog?

Review by Dana Valencia, Library Media Assistant, Oakridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades PreK-2

The Best Pet of All
Puffin Books / Penguin Group
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241272-5
Release Date: Aug 6. 2009


 

Written by Gina Bazer and Renanah Lehner, Illustrated by Andrew Day

While the First Lady and President are busy getting ready for a party their two daughters, who have become impatient for not receiving their pet dog that was promised them, take matters in their own hands. They invite dogs and interview them as their potential pet. This book really had no teaching value to it except for the fact that the First Lady and President in the book were so caught up in their social life that they were not paying any attention to their own children and their needs. Children will recognize that these two sisters are fictitiously representing the Obama daughters. This book could be used as a discussion afterwards on how to choose the right pet for your family. Didn't do too much for me, though.

Review by Kristen Hunt, Library Media Assistant, Whittier Elementary School
Rating: ★★½✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Now Hiring: White House Dog
Walker & Co.
34 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8027-8486-5
Release Date: Apr 28, 2009


 

Written by Peter Howe, Illustrated by Omar Rayyan

Waggit is determined to find his way back home to Central Park after a human he trusted left him far away on a farm.  He breaks his chain and finds an unusual human who can talk to him through his mind, which earns his trust and helps him back "Home."  There he becomes a leader among his peers.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Waggit Again
HarperCollins
292 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-124264-9
Release Date: Apr 28, 2009



 

Written by Diane deGroat, Photographs by Shelly Rotner

As a big dog lover, I thought this book was very enjoyable. It has real photos of what dogs do and real photos of the most un-dog like positions of what they don't do. I love the last page has all the doggie's pictures with their names and breeds.
There is not a lot of reading involved with his book, but the pics are so darn cute it makes up for it.

Review by Angela Pratt, Library Media Assistant, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: K-3

Dogs Don't Brush Their Teeth
Scholastic, Inc.
pages 32
ISBN: 978-0-545-08064-4
Release Date: August 2009

 

Written by Tom and Allie Harvey, Illustrated by Keith Philpott

This is a fun book about three abandoned tiger cubs that are raised in a sanctuary by the sanctuary owners, and their Irish Setter/lab mix dog. It was fun to read and share in the maturing of these young tigers. Great pictures.

Review by Lori Draney, Library Media Assistant, Gourley Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades K-6

Tiger Pups
HarperCollins
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-177309-9
Release Date: Jun 2009



 

Written by Clay Morgan

A year ago, border collie Moxie's friend Jack was kidnapped by his shipmates and taken out to sea. Longing for her friend back, she struggles to survive and fight off the wild dogs who long to eat her sheep she cares for. When her friend returns, she can't be more excited. A greater evil follows him to the island, however. Pirate Blackburn Jukes has taken Jack prisoner and wants him to find the island's cache of ambers. Knowing that without Jack the island's dogs will starve to death and she will lose her best friend, Moxie is determined to rescue Jack and the island she calls home. To do so, however, she must learn to trust her instincts and make alliances. Will Moxie find it in herself to trust the allies she seeks? Will she be able to follow her instincts to save her friend from Blackburn?

The writing in this book is choppy and amateur in style. However, this is probably an accurate depiction of a dog telling the story. The book and its characters are endearing and the adventure is fun to read. Readers who enjoy dog stories, adventure, island fiction, and survival stories will like reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

The Boy Who Returned from the Sea
Puffin / Penguin Group
245 pages
ISBN: 9780142413951
Release Date: May 2009


 

Written by Matt Christopher

Mike and Harry are best friends, such good friends that they can read each others' thoughts. However, Harry is a dog. This is a fun story about how Mike's baseball team wins with the help of Harry.

Review by Jodie Uriarte, Library Media Assistant, Copper Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

The Dog that Stole Home
Norwood House Press
42 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59953-352-0
Release Date: Feb 2010