Dogs on the Bed [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Bluemle (Author), Anne Wilsdorf (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2008 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

These dogs, these dogs! They'll take over your space — but can't be beat for warmth — as celebrated in this spirited story with humorous illustrations.

What's a family to do when the bed is overrun by dogs? Move over, of course! In this rollicking, rhyming romp, Mom, Dad, and the kids settle in for a peaceful story before sleep — but their canine companions have other plans. Dog owners will recognize the familiar shenanigans pets engage in at bedtime: stretching out sideways, barking at outside noises no one else can hear, whining to be let out (and in again) all night long. But demands aside, adored dogs are still the coziest comforters around.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3—Even readers who don't share their bed with a half dozen dogs will love this charming story about a family and their unusual sleeping arrangements. As bedtime begins (appropriately after storytime) everyone—Mom, Dad, two kids, and six dogs—falls asleep in the same big bed. Throughout the night, the pets do what they do best: sleep sideways, bark at things no one else can hear, and whine to go out, and then in (and then out, and then in, etc.). In the end, they are rearranged into more manageable groupings, and finally canines and people alike get some much-needed sleep. The exuberant, rhyming text delights the ear as the hilarious illustrations engage the eye in this kid- and dog-friendly tale. Fun for sharing with a group or one-on-one.—Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

“Dogs on the bed / Like logs on the bed / Bed hogs on the bed— / These dogs, these dogs!” A family’s bedtime preparations are interrupted by their determined dogs, who won’t stay off the bed and won’t give up easily: they “pout and they sigh,” prowl and howl, whine to go outside and then want to come back in. Still, they also offer affection and comfort (“As portable heat / They just can’t be beat”), and parents, kids, and pooches finally settle down to sleep snugly at last. The rousing rhymes and frequent refrains provide continuous, peppy entertainment, and the occasional altered rhythms will keep readers and listeners on their toes. The colorful, chaotic illustrations are filled with witty elements, especially the comically expressive dogs, crowded around kids and pillows for Mom’s bedtime story. A humorous and affectionate ode to the frustrations and joys of having dogs as pets and part of the family. Pair this with John Lithgow’s I Got Two Dogs (2008). Preschool-Grade 2. --Shelle Rosenfeld

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 1st edition (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763626082
• ISBN-13: 978-0763626082
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #946,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book to make up a song!, March 13, 2009

By 

Moriggan78 "Hoot's Mama" (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogs on the Bed (Hardcover)

Picked this book up at the library for my 19 month old son who loves dogs, and its now one of his favorites. I've made up a tune to read it to, because it's such a rhythmic story it's almost march-like. He claps along with the rhymes. We slow it down and point out different things in the pictures like the clock on the wall, the coffee mug that daddy is carrying and the cat on the book that mom is reading to the kids. I've now added it to his wish-list so that we can keep it around permanantly!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun, even for cat people!, November 1, 2010

By 

Dr. "Mom" Walker (Saint Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogs on the Bed (Hardcover)

We have three of Elizabeth Bluemle's books, and DOGS ON THE BED is the kid favorite. In our cat-only household, this is the book that makes Elder Child beg for a dog. Or four. (She sees the pictures at the end of all the family snuggled up with at least one dog each, and that sounds like a peachy keen idea to her.) She likes the cadence of the rhymes and the clever illustrations, and giggles and points every time when the dogs push the people onto the cold floor. Ms. Bluemle writes with obvious affection for the canines in the story, even when affection is tinged with the eye-rolling familiar to dog owners. Recommended, even for the cat lovers!

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for dog lovers!, October 31, 2010

By 

laura burger - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogs on the Bed (Hardcover)

This is my favorite of Elizabeth Bluemle's books. A charming book, great for dog lovers of all ages!