Dominic (Sunburst Book) [Paperback]

William Steig (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Sunburst Book

An ALA Notable Book

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Dominic is a one-of-a-kind dog. One day this exuberant, restless, freedom-loving fellow decides there isn't enough going on in his neighborhood to satisfy his need for adventure. And off he goes, with an assortment of hats (rakish, dashing, solemn, and martial), his precious piccolo, and a few other things, leaving a note on his door:

Dear Friends, I am leaving rather in a hurry to see more of the world, so I have no time to say goodbye to you individually. I embrace you all and sniff you with love. I don't know when I'll be back. But back I will be. Dominic.

On the road, this curious canine is lighthearted, open to every option, all senses aquiver. It's not long before he encounters a prophetic witch-alligator, (who had "many more teeth than necessary for any ordinary dental purpose"); a catfish who gives him a long, sharp spear that will make him invincible in serious combat; and even the infamous Doomsday Gang, "who robbed, ravaged, cheated, attacked innocent creatures at large and travelers especially, and did all sorts of damaging mischief." Dominic remains undaunted throughout, for "challenges were his delight. Whatever life offered was, this way or that, a test of one's skills, one's faculties; and he enjoyed proving equal to these tests."

As he continues his journey, we find Dominic to be considerate, compassionate, generous, and philosophical. As he ponders the nature of death, the nature of wealth, the role of art in our lives, the nature of good and evil, and the yearning for true love, readers are left with a feeling that life is basically good, and even splendid:

"What a wonderful world!" thought Dominic. "How perfect!" Had it been up to him when things were first made, he wouldn't have made them a whit different. Every leaf was in its proper place. Pebbles, stones, flowers, all were just as they ought to be. Water ran where it should run. They sky was properly blue. All sounds were in tune. Everything had its appropriate smell.

Kids will adore the magical, comical, action-packed adventures of this remarkable dog, and readers of any age will come away from William Steig's Dominic somehow changed. An ALA Notable Book. (Ages 8 and older, and a wonderful read-aloud for younger children) --Karin Snelson

Review

"William Steig has created an engaging hero, a dog with a heart of gold, nerves of steel, and the varied talents of Renaissance Man. Dominic sallies forth to see the world and to earn gratitude and acclaim for his generosity, his courage, and his prowess at absolutely everything to which he turns his paw-- including the foiling of a dastardly troop of villains who have been preying on the community...A good story for reading aloud."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A likely candidate for classic status."--Selma G. Lanes, Harper's

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (August 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374418268
• ISBN-13: 978-0374418267
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,221,308 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William Steig (1907-2003) published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (978-1416902065) in 1970. His works also include The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. His most recent books published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux are Shrek! (released by DreamWorks as a major motion picture) and Wizzil, illustrated by Quentin Blake. School Library Journal named Shrek! a Best Book of 1990 and said of it, "Steig's inimitable wit and artistic dash have never been sharper or more expertly blended."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply delightful, delightfully deep, December 15, 2000

By 

William Timothy Lukeman - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dominic (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

William Steig's tale (or tail) of an adventurous, great-hearted dog exploring the world with zest and delight is NOT just for children -- although children lucky enough to read it will carry it with them into adulthood, as shown by previous reviews. I first read it in my late 30's, and I knew at once that it had as much depth, wisdom, and beauty as any adult book -- more than most, in fact. You'll come away from it filled with its joy for life. Very highly recommended!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story that's stayed with me for 25 years, January 13, 2000

By 

J.M.Phelps (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dominic (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

I was given this book by my brother almost 25 years ago, and I still consider it the best children's book I've ever read. In fact, I still pull it out from time to time and read it when I need a lift. I love the fact that Steig respects children enough to use sophisticated language and themes. This book has always made me feel smart and brave--just like Dominic himself! He is a wonderful hero and role model for boys and girls alike. It's a joy to read that so many others have also been touched by its magic. And the illustrations (by Steig) are incredibly evocative--they really draw one into Dominic's adventures AND his emotions. It doens't get any better than Dominic for bright, curious kids.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Greatest Children's Books Ever, December 19, 2000

By 

John (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dominic (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

Dominic is one of the greatest works by one of the two greatest children's authors (I consider Lloyd Alexander the other). Dominic is a great character and it is marvelous to read of his picaresque adventures. The novel also has a lot of depth in it.

The novel follows Dominic who is a dog. He begins to feel restless one day and sets out on the road for adventure. Dominic constantly uses his many talents and wits during the trip. In his adventures Dominic finds treasure, a little love, the horrid Doomesday Gang, and, eventually, himself.

William Steig always conveys a clear message in his novels. He writes about how to love life and everything about life. He writes great pathetic falacies (descriptions of nature). He writes of love for fellow beings. Steig also addresses important facets of life. My favorite part of Dominic is when Dominic has to deal with the death of a friend. Steig writes:

"He (Dominic) had to cry. Life was suddenly too sad. And yet it was beautiful. The beauty was dimmed when the sadness welled up. And the beauty would be there again when the sadness went. So the beauty and the sadness belonged together somehow, though they were not the same at all."

Steig's prose is always as marvelous and as meaningful. Few novelists of any genre have had the success that Steig has in Dominic. All children and many adults should read this book. (Also, read Steig's Abel's Island and The Real Thief.)