I Want a Dog! [Hardcover]

Helga Bansch (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Every child wants a dog at some point. Here's the story of little girl who figures out how to get what she wants!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—Lisa loves dogs and asks "twenty-one times a day" for a pet of her own. Despite the pleas, her parents respond: "Our apartment is too small for a dog." She tries different methods of persuasion, but neither being "good as gold" nor "truly terrible" changes the verdict. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she posts a sign in the park: "Wanted Dog to Borrow." Soon an elderly man hires Lisa to walk his dachshund. Muted watercolor illustrations show the red-haired girl playing with Rollo while her wooden toy Dalmatian sits on a nearby bench awaiting her return. A satisfying lesson in compromise.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Helga Bansch was born in Leoben, Austria. Before becoming a writer, she worked as a teacher in primary schools and made marionettes for puppet theatres. Since 2003, she has lived in Vienna, working as an artist and running workshops for children. Bansch won the Austrian Children's Book Prize for her illustrations.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: NorthSouth (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735822557
• ISBN-13: 978-0735822559
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #749,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for kids who want a dog but can't have one!, October 17, 2009

By 

Joel Katte "Author of MILWAUKEE BREWERS IQ tr... (Home of the Milwaukee Brewers) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Want a Dog! (Hardcover)

My girls and I just spent the evening at Borders checking out new books. My four year-old fell in love with this book tonight. She pleaded with me to read it three more times after we first read it. In my opinion, a child's request for immediate repeated reading is the greatest indicator of a successful children's book. The illustrations are fun, lively, and purposeful. The language is clear, concise, and captivating. The main character Lisa's experience is one all readers could embark on if they too come from a dog-less family. A wonderful read!

1.0 out of 5 stars What are we teaching the kids?, June 6, 2011

By 

Neia (Fairfield County CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Want a Dog! (Hardcover)

So little Lisa wants a dog so badly she advertises with her address in the ad, and a stranger shows up at her door offering to let her walk his dog. Just how is this different from the man who needs help with his puppy and just get in my car little girl?

I heard this story read aloud at a children's literacy event featuring dogs. I was horrified. I did not see the illustrations which maybe add to the story -- but the message is in direct contradiction with all the safety precautions that are commonplace these days.

It's a cute story, and could be written a little differently with an elderly person in the neighborhood that's known to Lisa needing help. I'm baffled how this book passed editorial review and is receiving acclaim.