Boodil, My Dog (Owlet Book) [Paperback]

Pija Lindenbaum (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Owlet Book

"Lindenbaum has created a lovable, huggable character.... Boodil is one lucky dog to have such a faithful, protective owner and libraries will be fortunate to have this addition to their picture-book collections." --School Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Doting pet owners relentlessly accentuate the positive about their charges, as this winsomely silly portrait reminds us. Paunchy, beady-eyed, loafing Boodil (a bull terrier) hardly seems an intrepid or sophisticated creature, yet each spread here features an unseen narrator's effusive praise of the dog's virtues. When Boodil plops down on a rock at the park, her owner gushes, "She looks like a royal statue . . . I'm so proud of her." Later, Boodil hides from the vacuum cleaner and, in a peppy mood, vaults the coffee table "like an amazing white cannonball." Swedish author Lindenbaum ( Elsa-Marie and Her Seven Little Daddies ) offers comical black-and-white renderings of a less-than-graceful canine; she uses gray background details and sparingly applies splashes of color--on Boodil's pink nose, for example. A chunky, bold typeface lends the pages a fresh, somewhat unusual appearance. Lindenbaum and translator Charbonnet, in this absurd yet affectionate juxtaposition of images and hyperbolic text, capture the unconditional love for man's best friend. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Dog lovers as well as readers looking for a good chuckle will enjoy this story. A child narrator states, "Boodil is a bullterrier. She's the best dog in the whole world. Her brilliant mind is always at work. Her guard is never down." The text then continues to support this introduction with examples of her bravery, her strength, her alertness for danger and burglars, her intelligence and independence. The deadpan humor is cleverly integrated through the watercolor line drawings. Done in tones of brown and gray, they reveal the "real" Boodil as well as the child's perception of the pet. "I bet only Boodil's amazing superdog self-control keeps her from ripping the vacuum to pieces." Readers see in the illustration the large, white animal cowering under the sofa as the vacuum is pushed in her direction. Lindenbaum has created a lovable, huggable character much like Rylant's Mudge (Bradbury). Boodil is one lucky dog to have such a faithful, protective owner and libraries will b fortunate to have this addition to their picture-book collections. --Cheryl Cufari, N. A. Walbran Elem . School, Oriskany, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (March 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805039406
• ISBN-13: 978-0805039405
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,207,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Family Favorite, January 4, 2000

By 

Bethany Reynolds - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boodil, My Dog (Owlet Book) (Paperback)

A perfect pairing of text and illustrations make this an outstanding book that both children and adults can appreciate on different levels. When we first got the book, my 5 yr. old took the child narrator's view of Boodil at face value and didn't see the discrepancies suggested in the illustrations. Now, at 7, he's enjoying it even more as he can appreciate the humor. The author pokes fun gently at the less-than-objective ways we see our pets. Anyone who's been kept by a dog should enjoy this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This story is dog-gone funny!, March 25, 1999

By 

Jennifer Gwinn ([e-mail]) (Dallas, TX.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boodil, My Dog (Owlet Book) (Paperback)

As a first grade teacher I have read many books to my students. No book has compared to the reaction I received with this one. My children laughed so loudly the assistant principal came down the hall. The pictures tell a story in itself. I don't know who enjoyed the story more, the children or myself? I do know there is nothing more enlighting than to see children laughing and enjoying books.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars irony, sarcasm and love, September 13, 2005

By 

Shelley Gammon "Geek" (Kaufman, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boodil, My Dog (Hardcover)

Truly one of the most peculiar and adorable dogs on earth is the Bull Terrier. The illustrator captures not only the breed, but the unique personality of the book's subject, Boodil. Like all terriers, she's playful, odd and opinionated. She calls the shots and while others who don't know Boodil may think she's disobedient or a bit dim, her owner knows different.

A positive spin is put on all of her antics. She is a strong-willed child who is obviously deeply loved and appreciated, warts and all.

The illustrations are so sweet and hilarious, you'll find yourself wondering if you shouldn't add a Bull Terrier to your family. The cute little pink highlights on the thin fur around her muzzle and belly are just to die for. Boodil is a good dog, and a good book.