May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids) [Hardcover]

Stephanie Calmenson (Author), Jan Ormerod (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 2007 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Children encounter dogs wherever they go: in the park, on the sidewalk, at their friends’ homes. Sometimes it’s love at first sight, on both sides—but not always. The right way for a child to approach a dog to ensure that the first connection is a complete success begins with this question to the owner: “May I pet your dog?” Using Harry the dachshund as a gentle guide, Stephanie Calmenson addresses this valuable yet overlooked topic with care and precision, and Jan Ormerod’s warm illustrations portray a wide variety of breeds and personalities and depict situations that are realistic but never scary. Unique and straightforward, this is the essential guide to bringing children and dogs together—for kids and parents alike.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—A little boy learns from Harry, a dachshund, how to treat an unfamiliar dog safely and politely. Harry's friendly, gentle voice reminds the child to ask for the owner's permission to pet the dog, allow the animal to sniff his hand, and approach from the side. The pooch coaches the boy as he encounters an excited puppy, a guide dog, and an unfriendly canine. Cues such as growling and tail wagging are explained. Straightforward guidelines and a positive, encouraging tone make this book appealing and practical. Young dog lovers will delight in the variety of breeds shown in the bright, clear illustrations. Harry's advice will certainly come in handy, and dogs will appreciate the safety and consideration shown by readers who put the techniques into practice.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Dachshund Harry leads the youngest readers through every step of kid-meets-dog etiquette." Horn Book, Starred

"Straightforward guidelines and a positive, encouraging tone make this book appealing and practical." School Library Journal

"Children who are afraid of dogs, as well as those who love them, will find this volume useful and encouraging." Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; 1 edition (April 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618510346
• ISBN-13: 978-0618510344
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #241,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Dogs > Nonfiction
  • #91 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Fiction

More About the Author

Stephanie Calmenson's books have been called "marvelous" (Publishers Weekly), "lyrical" (School Library Journal), "hilarious" (School Library Journal), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist). She writes for babies, toddlers, elementary school kids and for all ages about dogs, dogs, dogs! Among her most popular titles are THE PRINCIPAL'S NEW CLOTHES; DINNER AT THE PANDA PALACE; WELCOME, BABY!; JAZZMATAZZ!; LATE FOR SCHOOL!; MAY I PET YOUR DOG?; and ROSIE, A VISITING DOG'S STORY. A former teacher, children's book editor, and Editorial Director of the Parents Magazine Press Read-Aloud Book Club, Stephanie feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of kids, words and laughter.

To read more, please visit www.stephaniecalmenson.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be read to every preschooler & by everyone!, May 6, 2007

By 

Autumn Renne (Central USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids) (Hardcover)

The number of children being bit by dogs is astronomical. This could be drastically reduced, by showing children (& adults) the right way to approach a dog. A child's only experience may be with a friendly dog, or her own dog. Many dogs see an unknown child running up & reaching out at them as a threat and become fearful &/or aggressive. Both responses can cause a dog to bite. Dog bites and attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scars on a child. Please, read this to your toddler, to your kindergarten class, to any child you are in contact with. Tell everyone you know, that dog bites can be significantly reduced, IF when we see a dog, we know to STOP, ASK the owner if you can pet their dog & only then approach the dog in a non-threatening way. This book is an awesome tool to intruct this information.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect for the pet-less family, November 2, 2007

By 

J. Stout (Portsmouth, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids) (Hardcover)

I got this book when my son was two and a half and going to

spend sometime at Granny's with her dachshund. He is

so abusive to our cat that I was a bit concerned about what he

might do to her old pooch when she was in the other room.

This book was great. He asked me to read it every day for

two weeks, and when we go out to the park, even though

he is terribly shy with adults, he will ask dog owners diligently,

"May I Pet Your Dog?" before approaching.

The book was well worth the price because I don't worry

about him messing around with strange dogs now.

And it's really a cute book. It won't give your kids

nightmares about saber-toothed dobermans. Mostly,

it teaches etiquette and respect for animals.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great idea, January 5, 2008

By 

L. Barthle (OC, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids) (Hardcover)

I work in a vet hospital and constantly watch children walk up to dogs they don't know and nearly get harmed because the dog is a aggressive, sick, injured, or just too playful. These are things that every child should learn about and this book should be in every child's home.