Dogs in Space [Library Binding]

Nancy Coffelt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1993 | Age Level: 5 and up

In a fact-filled exploration of space, a playful group of canines travels to each planet in the solar system and has fun by flying kites on Jupiter and playing hide-and-seek on the moons of Saturn.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This eye-catching attempt to introduce children to the solar system combines whimsy and fact to ultimately unsuccessful effect. Coffelt's ( Good Night, Sigmund ) canines wear Flash Gordon space helmets and rocket belts as they fly to each planet--sneezing in the red dust on Mars, dodging asteroids en route to Jupiter. "Even though there are no other dogs in space, or people, either, dogs in space like space. There are no cats in space. There are no fleas in space." On the other hand, there are no "soft laps" or "crunchy dog bones" either, so "dogs in space go home, for now." This capacious and potentially confusing amalgam of planetary facts is followed by a three-page, small print, encyclopedic text about the solar system ("The Solar System is what we call the family of nine planets, their moons, and the countless other celestial bodies that circle the Sun."). While Coffelt's bold, neon-colored pastels on black paper are arresting (resembling the scratch paintings of childhood), this hybrid of fact and fancy will likely puzzle the preschoolers for whom it is intended. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Five brightly colored cartoon dogs cavort and gambol through the solar system. It's too hot on Mercury, hotter still on Venus, dusty on Mars, and windy on Jupiter. At last they reach Pluto, the farthest and smallest of the planets, so cold and dark and lonely that they are happy to return to Earth. Dogs in Space is a picture-book fantasy that mixes basic astronomical facts with toylike dogs who are conveniently outfitted with rocket packs. It is likely to amuse and possibly confuse children just learning about our universe. But help lies at the end of the book where three pages of information on the planets provide adults with ready answers to children's questions. The bright oil pastels against velvety black backgrounds are delightful and, science notwithstanding, make for an exciting visual journey. --Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding
• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books (J); 1st edition (May 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152004408
• ISBN-13: 978-0152004408
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,398,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nancy Coffelt began her career as a fine artist and soon branched out into illustration and writing for young people. While she is known for her bright oil pastel imagery and humorous picture books, Nancy's young adult work has an edgier side. Her books have garnered praise ranging from starred reviews from Kirkus, Horn Book and SLJ as well as her FRED STAYS WITH ME receiving an ALA Notable mention as well as the Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Award.
Nancy lives, paints, writes, teaches and obeys the whims of her family's two small dogs in Portland, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Turns very young kids on to Space., November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dogs in Space (Paperback)

After a single read-through, my 3 year old was captivated. It became his favourite book, and continues to remain so, even though he has 'graduated' to more 'textbook' style Planet Books. And contrary to what Horn Books said about the end bits being too hard, I thought they were perfect, allowing parents to keep one step ahead of eager youngsters who want to know more more MORE about the planets.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Woof!, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dogs in Space (Library Binding)

What a beautifully illustrated book...Very vibrant andunusual...My daughter checked it out of her school library and shebegan to copy the drawings...I now have dogs in space all over my kitchen! It's simple but silly...It has peeked my curiosity to find out more about the author/artist...hope to see and read more of her works!

5.0 out of 5 stars 2 Year Old Loves It, July 18, 2011

By 

A. Hudson "JDMDHUDSONS" (Evans, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dogs in Space (Paperback)

Ok, I would not have thought so just reading it myself, but my two year old loves it. We bought her several books about the planets, because she's on a space kick, and it is her favorite book. She saw me looking at the pages available for preview on Amazon, and became obsessed with it, so I bought it on a whim. I'm soooo glad I did.