A Little Dog Like You [Hardcover]

Rosemary Sutcliff (Author), Jane Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 24, 1987

A woman who has lost her beloved small dog to death succeeds in finding him again when he is reborn into the body of a new puppy.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-- In a departure from her carefully researched historical fiction for older readers, Sutcliff here tells a romanticized story of Pippin, a tiny tan chihuahua who lives with a woman he calls Mommie. When, at age nine, he dies, he visits St. Francis in heaven and convinces him that he must make the long journey back to Earth to be with Mommie. Mommie, meanwhile, believing Pippin will be reincarnated, bides her time and watches for the birth of chihuahua puppies. In the spring, a puppy is born, and Pippin, now called Sebastian, is reunited with his mistress. This saccharine story mixes Christian images with those of reincarnation, and with the longings of many pet owners to resurrect a dead pet by obtaining a new one. While the book is somewhat rescued by an appropriately diminutive format, expressive black-and-white drawings, and flashes of Sutcliff's expressive prose, it still seems trite and overly personal. Judith Viorst's The Tenth Good Thing about Barney (Atheneum, 1971) and Carol Carrick's The Accident (Clarion, 1981) present more matter-of-fact pictures of grief and solace. --Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Orchard Books (September 24, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852131128
• ISBN-13: 978-1852131128
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,290,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rosemary Sutcliff wrote more than 40 historical novels for young adults-including The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch, The Lantern Bearers, The Sword and the Circle, and Black Ships Before Troy-five adult novels, and several books of nonfiction.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, heartfelt story, June 14, 2001

By 

C. Fung "iluvchis" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Little Dog Like You (Hardcover)

This little book is going to be (if not already) a well-sought after collector's item for any dog and/or book lover. Beautifully illustrated in a classic style, the book brings out the best about the love shared by dogs everywhere and their owners. It's a book about a little dog whose bravery and loyalty to his owner brings them together again. I have chihuahuas and I am involved in chihuahua rescue, so this book is especially meaningful to me. It's the only book I know of with a chihuahua as a character. But the story is universal and simple enough to be shared with a child. They don't make books like this any more.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Little Book About A Dog, April 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Little Dog Like You (Hardcover)

If you've ever loved a dog, this book is for you. This slim volume is written and illustrated so that even a very young child could appreciate hearing it read, but any adult who considers himself or herself a dog lover will be enchanted with it. The book follows a dog through its life and, sadly, to its end, but the story doesn't stop there. There is so much love between the author and her dog that the author is certain she hasn't seen the last of her pup -- and she's right. You may need some Kleenex tissue for the final pages of the story, even though the book ends on a decidedly high note.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars preparation, April 25, 2003

By 

carrie (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Little Dog Like You (Hardcover)

In 1990 I found a small mixed breed chihuahua/daushaund mix.In 1992 while on vacation at the beach went into a shop in search of sun screen lotion and browsed thru a table of discounted items.There was a book with the image of my dog Francesco on the cover.I read it and it brought tears to my eyes.Although Francesco was very young at the time I knew the day would come when I ,like "Mommie" would have to face the inevitable.Francesco died 2 weeks ago and I took the book "A Little Dog Like You" off of my bookshelf and read it again.
I was saddened to learn tonight that Rosemary Sutcliff had died in 1992 as I wanted to let her know how her book helped me to prepare for one of my greatest losses...Rosemary is with her Pippin I am sure .
Carrie