I Got Two Dogs: (Book and CD) [Hardcover]

John Lithgow (Author), Robert Neubecker (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 2008 | Age Level: 2 and up

Fanny and Blue may not be the smartest dogs, and they may not be the best-behaved dogs, but they are definitely the most-loved dogs.

John Lithgow's bouncy song - in the book and on the accompanying CD - is based on his own family's two dogs. And Robert Neubecker's eye-popping illustrations capture the joy of all things dog.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—This musical ode to two prized pooches packs a crowd-pleasing wallop of theatricality: "I got two dogs, Fanny and Blue./Bet you kind of wish you had two dogs too.... They're not too smart, but they're loyal and true-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo/Oh there's nothing I'd trade for my Fanny and Blue." Lithgow performs his catchy melody on the accompanying CD, complete with a back-up chorus, trilling flutes, and trumpets. The lyrics are translated clearly onto the book's pages and will send listeners into fits of giggles at each houndlike repetition of the "ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo" refrain. Neubecker's large, vibrant paintings perfectly capture the frenetic world of dog ownership, cheekily depicting a broader appreciation for each creature's personality than the verses alone provide. For example, "I got two dogs, Fanny and Blue./Always go together like a sock and shoe" is paired with a picture that reveals the two mutts using a sock and a shoe as chew toys. The illustration for "I walk 'em in the evening and the morning dew" shows the pups bounding after a very displeased cat with their leashes trailing behind. Sure to entice youngsters, this book will find a welcome home in storytime and circulating collections.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI
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From Booklist

Though not always well-behaved, beloved poochie pets Fanny and Blue, are “loyal and true . . . ooooo . . .”, and are at the heart of this amusing, affectionate paean that uses Lithgow’s children’s song lyrics as text. They may not know any tricks, and Blue’s “ruffs” and Fanny’s “yips” at the night sky might not endear them to everyone, but “they’re happy and they’re huggy and they stick like glue.” Ultimately, the narrator says, “There’s nothing I’d trade for my Fanny and Blue.” The text’s bouncy rhythm and rhymes feature repetition and lengthy “Oooo’s” throughout (enthusiastically sung, with slight variations, by Lithgow on a companion CD). A hand-lettered font will encourage lively readings and participation, and colorful, energetic illustrations depict and extend the text of the playful scenarios: “They go together like a sock and shoe” accompanies a scene of the two dogs destroying the same. Ranging from comically chaotic to tender, this is an entertaining, peppy read with a reassuring sentiment of unconditional love that dog fans and owners will especially appreciate. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Shelle Rosenfeld

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers; Rei/Com edition (October 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416958819
• ISBN-13: 978-1416958819
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,803 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oooooooo, there's nothing I'd trade for my Fanny and Blue!, October 20, 2008

By 

Z Hayes (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: I Got Two Dogs: (Book and CD) (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

"I Got Two Dogs" is the latest children's book by John Lithgow, a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, as well as a singer-songwriter-performer. His other children's books include Marsupial Sue, I'm a Manatee, Micawber and others.

This latest from Lithgow is a fun read as the book comes with a CD that is basically a sing-along accompaniment to the text. The story itself is based on Lithgow's own two dogs and is one that will appeal to all children, especially the target group of babies-preschool-aged kids. It's about two dogs, Fanny and Blue - one's all white, the other is gray, one's a girl and the other is a boy...their antics are portrayed so well in the illustrations by Robert Neubecker and each illustration will have you and your little one laughing out loud at the dog's antics. There is humor throughout and when you play the CD as you read and sing-along to the text, the rhythm will have you tapping your feet and even clapping your hands.

I have a 3.5 year-old daughter and though we don't own any dogs, she found the book very entertaining, and especially loved singing along to the CD whilst perusing the pictures. This is an ideal book for teaching early literacy skills to young children, especially babies, toddlers and preschoolers - the text provides a wonderful read-aloud and singing opportunity, and the rich, full-color illustrations will have little ones in stitches whilst encouraging active discussions on what the pictures convey. Highly recommended!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cutest Book and Song, Ever!, October 20, 2008

By 

Nikki (Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I Got Two Dogs: (Book and CD) (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

Oh my goodness! This has to be the cutest book and song I have ever read and listened to! As an owner of two dogs who are more like family members than pets, I can relate to the antics of John Lithgow's two dogs as well as the love he has for them. His accompanying song is so cute and bouncy! I think any toddler would love to flip through this book and listen to the song over and over again, and for the parents, the song is cute without being obnoxious.

I'm so pleased with this book, I now know what I'll be buying for all my nieces for Christmas this year, and I'll definitely be looking into other children's books by John Lithgow for future Christmases and birthdays! Who knew such a funny guy could write such great books for kids? My nieces and I have definitely been missing out!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dog-gone Delight!, October 19, 2008

By 

Bingo-Karen Haney "Reader, Reviewer, and BOOK... (Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I Got Two Dogs: (Book and CD) (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

This hardcover book and accompanying CD for infants through First Graders will surely entertain the little ones, and find parents singing along with the lilting interpretative reading by famed actor John Lithgow. Fanny and Blue are two great dogs, well loved, even if not well behaved, or very smart. However, as the lively rhythm of the words is read or listened to, youngsters will delight in the story and the rhythm of it all. While Blue is "kind of gray" and Fanny is "all white", their loyalty and mischievousness is very evident in the story. Fanny and Blue like to chase the cat and make a mess of their owner's things but find great comfort in cuddling up at night right ON TOP of their master! But one big loving lick makes their master forgive and love Fanny and Blue even more. The pet owner's devotion to the two animals is one that will teach little ones about what is important about having a pet while also entertaining them. The repetitions of the sounds in the refrain are something that little children will delight in.

Author John Lithgow based the story on his own two dogs and his story is energetic while delightful, rhythmic while comical. Lithgow's audio is a brilliant, enthusiastic interpretation of the story and is accompanied by a supporting chorus and instruments like the flute that combine to add to the catchy rhythmic tune. The delightful illustrations by Robert Neubecker look hand painted but I believe are digitally rendered and depict the story with broad and colorful strokes. The illustrations will capture every child with the pulsating colors and make this a great read-along book for children. Whether read to, with, or listened to, this is a fantastic book/CD for every child's collection!

Submitted by Karen Haney for VINE to Curled Up with a Good Book for Kids, October, 2008