Dog Heaven (Hardcover)

by Cynthia Rylant (Author) "When a dog first arrives in Heaven,..." (more)
Key Phrases: Dog Heaven

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Newbery winner Rylant, who debuted as an illustrator with her Everyday board books (1993), offers paintings and text in tribute to "Dog Heaven." Here there are fields to run in, soft beds (made of clouds turned inside out) and "angel children," because "God knows that dogs love children more than anything else in the world." Rylant's childlike acrylic paintings-similar though less practiced than the work of Lucy Cousins-are filled with checkerboard steps, yellow daisies and pink stars. Whether she is aiming for whimsy, albeit self-consciously, or striving to present a genuinely comforting view of heaven is not entirely clear. God, for example, stands like an organ grinder at a biscuit machine, wearing a purple hat and sporting a white mustache. "God has a sense of humor," Rylant tells us, "so He makes His biscuits in funny shapes... kitty-cat biscuits and squirrel biscuits," and "every angel who passes by has a biscuit for a dog" because "every dog becomes a good dog in Dog Heaven." Many will think Rylant's vision appropriately warm and fuzzy; others will consider her on thin ice, psychologically and theologically. Dead animals invisibly return to earth "for a little visit," a development likely to unsettle young mourners; told that dogs in Dog Heaven will be "at the door" when "old friends show up," many children are going to worry about how those old friends got there. All ages.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2?Curl up with Rover and take a journey to Dog Heaven, where there are endless fields for running; clear lakes filled with teasing, honking ducks; and loving angel children playing everywhere. There are tasty biscuits shaped like cats and fluffy cloud beds for sleeping, memory trips back to favorite spots and people, and cozy homes with petting hands. Rylant uses simple, comfortable language and an abundance of careful detail to create a place of warmth and happiness. Dressed in colorful clothing and sporting an orange scarf, God is friendly and accessible; he looks after "His dogs," making sure the biscuits are appetizing and the dreams are serene. With their simple shapes and bold lines, the bright acrylic paintings have a childlike appeal. Brush strokes add texture and depth, while unusual color combinations?glowing mixes of oranges, purples, and greens?contribute to the peaceful mood. Canines become part of the landscape; tumbling hills and rounded surfaces reflect the rapid motion of exuberant pooches running breathlessly across endless fields, while pawprints shine brightly beside nighttime stars and decorate the sides of mountains. The reassuring story might comfort a child after the loss of a pet, but this pleasant, imaginary paradise will have a broader appeal to all animal lovers.?Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Blue Sky Press (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590417010
• ISBN-13: 978-0590417013
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (181 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,731 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and touching, June 11, 2000

By	K. Bennett (Rolla, MO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you've ever cried over the death of a pet, you need this book. Cynthia Rylant offers comfort for any grieving pet owner, no matter what his age.

"When dogs go to heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best." From that simple beginning, this book paints a picture of a place filled with canine joys. There are good-natured geese to bark at, angel children to play with, and dog biscuits to munch. Even strays have wonderful homes and lots of love in dog heaven.

It's been over twenty years since I lost my first and favorite dog, and I identified with this book as if the loss had been yesterday. I can't think of a better way to say farewell to a good and faithful friend than to share this book as a memorial.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful book!, December 26, 2002

By	mahikahn (Columbus, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

My husband and I recently lost our 14 1/2 year old Husky. She was our baby and we've been shattered. A dear friend gave this book to me and it has provided so much comfort. It may have been written with children in mind but it provides peace to all adults. This book helped us so much that I've ordered it for a friend of mine who just lost her dog. This will help anyone coping with the loss of a beloved canine family member.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true comfort, March 30, 2001

By	Nancy (West Chester, PA United States) - See all my reviews

I am middle-age, and recently lost my beloved companion of 12 years, a golden retriever mix. I look through this book at some point everyday - it lightens my heavy heart at such a difficult and sad time - it is a children's book, but I recommend it to anyone at any age who has lost a beloved pet - the drawings are precious - and it makes me feel good to look at the book and hope and believe and picture my kind and gentle spirit Maeve in 'dog heaven', whole, young and healthy again, running and playing in the beautiful sunshine, and I love to read the part where they come back to check on us and make sure that we are ok - or check out a favorite spot in their yard. Somehow this comforts me - and can even bring a smile to my face for a moment, replacing the many, many tears.