Bertie Was a Watchdog [Hardcover]

Rick Walton (Author), Arthur Robins (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A very small watchdog proves that size isn’t everything—even when you’re up against a big bad robber.

Bertie is a rather unusual watchdog. That’s because Bertie is, well, about the size of a watch. So when a horrible robber breaks in, tiny Bertie is put to the test! Bertie nips the robber on the leg, chases him around the sofa, and challenges him to a barking contest. But will Bertie succeed in scaring the robber away?

Here’s a silly story brimming with kid appeal, complete with slapstick chases, comically mismatched adversaries, and a well-deserved triumph by an indefatigable underdog. Combining the fun of comics and a full-size picture book, here is a refreshing new format offering a punch line on every page.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When first seen against a receding cityscape, Bertie the watchdog appears to possess all the looming menace of a modern-day Cerberus. But as Walton (Bunny Day) dryly explains, Bertie was called a watchdog because he was about the size of a watch. Robins (The Teeny Tiny Woman) cheekily reveals that when Bertie is rendered from a less distorted perspective, he's not even pint-sized. What chance does a diminutive dog have against a giant intruder? But when a burly burglar invades his territory, Bertie challenges him to a test of wits. In Robins's gleefully garish, full-bleed watercolor-and-ink cartoons, the robber takes up most of the succeeding spreads even his sausage-like nose is bigger than Bertie. But the canine prevails by conning the ne'er-do-well into a series of contests, the last of which determines who can bark the loudest. The robber's winning ruckus captures the attention of a couple of cops on a fast-food break. I win! is the parting riposte of the triumphant Bertie, now the proud owner of an oversize hero's medal. Youngsters will be won over as well both by the pooch's brainy pluck and the reassuring moral that right can triumph over might. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

reSchool-Grade 1-Bertie looks as though he couldn't hurt a flea, but a robber who comes to the pup's house finds out differently. Although he can't bite hard or chase quickly or bark loudly, he uses his brain and tricks the bad guy. The humorous watercolor illustrations in warm tones of blue, turquoise, coral, and gold outlined in black ink are arranged in an appealing format with close-up views of the action and large, black type. The whole adds up to an extremely lively book with a subtle message. Paired with Jules Feiffer's Bark, George (HarperCollins, 1999), this one could contribute to an entertaining dog storytime or be used with traditional tales such as "Elephant in a Well" and "Goat in the Chili Patch" in a program on being small and still doing great things. A treat for all.
Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 56 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1st edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763613851
• ISBN-13: 978-0763613853
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 0.4 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,221,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastically funny, July 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bertie Was a Watchdog (Hardcover)

This book deserves six stars - it's just so funny and well-made. The story of little Bertie, who outwits a great big horrible burglar, will keep your kids chuckling for days. The pictures are gorgeous and cartoony as well.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, November 27, 2006

By 

A Watcher (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bertie Was a Watchdog (Paperback)

This is one of my children's favorite books. Bertie is such a funny little character and he shows that being clever is more important than size when he outwits a burgler.

This is a great book to read aloud.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bertie is the best!, April 21, 2004

By 

Nancy L. Bert (Blue Ridge Summit, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bertie Was a Watchdog (Hardcover)

This book is perfect for Story Hour. The pictures are large and well done (the robber's hands actually have 5 digits instead of the 4 so common in cartoons); the story line is succinct, suspenseful, and with a surprise ending that will leave the children in stitches.