Here's What I Know So Far, Doc's Story [Hardcover]

Diane Till (Author), Tom Schwartz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Here's What I Know So Far is the title of a remarkable new series of children's picture books that tells about the first year in an animal's life from a unique point of view: that of the animal. The series is by Diane Till, designed and illustrated by Tom Schwartz. The first book in the series, Doc's Story, covers the milestones in the life of a mixed-breed pup, starting when he is ten days old. Doc's observations, as he tries to deal with the new and strange requests of his humans, are delivered in entertaining and often moving poetry. Accompanying each of Doc's discoveries is a comment from Doc's veterinarian, Dr. Tim Roberts. He explains in prose what the puppy is going through, as well as how to start training a pup to become a happy, confident dog. Doc's life, as seen from Doc's point of view, helps a child understand why good parents sometimes have to say 'no.' and it helps parents realize the great importance of play. Doc's experiences include learning to walk on a leash and a first visit to a vet. They are often comical, as when he tells readers, "You won't believe the places where you're not supposed to pee."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Diane Till is a former advertising creative director in New York City whose career included living in Italy and Australia and working throughout Asia, Europe and Mexico. She is an avid animal rights advocate and believes respect for earth's creatures should start young. The book's design and illustrations are by a celebrated advertising art director, Tom Schwartz. He brings Doc to life with unique and complex illustrations, which though sometimes whimsical and sometimes poignant, manage to show not only Doc's personality, but also his soul.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Ocean Publishing; 1st edition (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976729172
• ISBN-13: 978-0976729174
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,169,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent starter book for teaching young people the basics, September 6, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here's What I Know So Far, Doc's Story (Hardcover)

Here's What I Know So Far is a unique picturebook written to help young people better understand the responsibility of caring for a puppy. Each two-page spread discusses the realities of a puppy's life, both directly from the puppy's point of view ("Why walk when you can run? Walking on a leash is just no fun."), and from the sage perspective of a professional veterinarian ("Puppies know an 'I mean business' tone of voice when they hear it. Well, you do too, don't you?"). The abstract-style illustrations add a distinctive touch without being too distracting from the immersive wealth of information. An excellent starter book for teaching young people the basics of understanding how puppies think and how to properly train and care for them.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful read, June 9, 2007

By 

hpz (new york city) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here's What I Know So Far, Doc's Story (Hardcover)

the writing and illustrations are both magnificent. the book is touching and endearing. a joy to yougsters and parents alike.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A darling book with lots of fun extra's, July 27, 2007

By 

Bill Gould "Corkbouy" (Chicago & Moskow) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here's What I Know So Far, Doc's Story (Hardcover)

My cat Pino was outside rolling in the garden dirt the other day when he escaped from the house. I found out from the book why he does that. Ms. Till has put together a wonderful book. Doc's words are interesting to kids and adults, and the Vet's explainations the same. Very clever! ....and the Illustrations are FABULOUS! Dock is just the cutest puppy. I learned more things about animals from the book but I'll let you read it and find out for yourself.
The cover is STUNNINGly beautiful, and the illustrations truly incredible. I have it on my coffee table and bought two other copies for animal lover friends who adore the book. I certainly hope they, (Diane Till, Tom Schwartz and Dr. Tim Roberts), do produce more books on this style as they offered on the book jacket. The neighbor kids 6,10, and 16 loved it.
....Bill